Scott attack an inside job

by Warren Woodberry
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From the responses I receive on a daily bases, I am obviously not alone in my assessment that those that are seeking to have Scott saved both physically and academically are under attack, and not only by known opposition from outside, but from some of those among us. Some responses have even suggested that there are those within the Black community who have been encouraged to not allow support for the Scott building program, hence no word from various Black organizations and churches that for years have known that we are in a battle royal. They and other politicians should not have had to be asked to intervene, it is their duty.

As you have noticed humor, sarcasm and wit are very formidable tools, and have been used against Black people all over the world, (see Vanity Fair against Barack Obama) but if we seek equality, we must develop the same thickness of skin that all other races must don. But for the life of me I cannot understand why week after week there is a consistent attack on the Scott community, from within a local publication, on our efforts to turn around a failing school. They would ignore the many documented protest against the divisive and failing four schools concept that has raged for years. They would ignore the many years of asking and begging for quality teachers, Black teachers and better school curriculum. They would ignore the continous request made for more funding for Scott and for the sports facility and for a serious look at the unjust disciplinary problems at the school. They would say that “we care more for an old building than the students” ignoring the struggle that advocacy groups and families have continuously waged for years! How self serving! ( If you need archival proof on my statements I have them.) They would ignore the fact that even in cities in New York, Atlanta and LA, the Black community scores very few victories against the powers that be, so why beat up the Afro-American community of Toledo for not being able to overcome the power structure. There are those well within the power structure that are being eaten alive. (See the current Toledo drama news stories)

But I reject the opinion voiced on the streets that the reason is that all of the attackers or internal naysayers are not from Toledo, hence they can feel justified in calling those in the community names while accusing them of being dreamers and not caring about the education of their own sons and daughters, as they proudly proclaim that "I'm not from Toledo! ) as if this allows them some sort of feeling of superiorty. John McCain accused Barack Obama of not caring about the safety of America, to which Obama fired back, that to imply that he (Obama) did not care about America and the safety of his family was ridiculous. Some suspect that there is some secret fraternity that has agreed to ridicule all of the efforts, and to do the work of the opposition, instead of trying to get a better understanding of the deplorable history of the treatment of the Scott community. Not one of these individuals have every attended the many recent meetings to discus Scott, to take the tour, to address a meeting or to offer any encouraging words. Where are they getting their insight? ( I believe I know where.) We have had two TPS board members attend many of these sessions but a certain member of the TPS board who received the support of the community for election to this position has not shown any public interest to attend any Scott meetings although Ms. Fisher and Mrs. Sobecki have on many occasions participated in meetings, tours and have offered public statements in support of the Scott advocacy groups and have left no misunderstanding of where they stand on this issue.

LET ME MAKE THIS POINT VERY CLEAR

IT IS MY BELIEF THAT TPS HAD NO INTENTION OF BUILDING A NEW SCHOOL FOR SCOTT. AND THAT IF THERE WERE NO ATTEMPT TO ASK FOR A RENOVATION, SCOTT WOULD HAVE DISAPPEARED OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH. IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE ME THEN ASK THE TPS BOARD HOW MUCH MONEY IS THERE TODAY TO BUILD A NEW SCOTT, AND DIE WAITING FOR A DIRECT ANSWER.

The oft quoted statements published that we should give the kids a new school like the others built, were never in the works and that is why Scott was placed last, ( eleven years after the other schools were built ) in hopes that it would fulfill someones desire to see it fade away. To compound the problem they then issued vouchers encouraging students and parents to flee from the school, and then they totally ignored the maintenance of the building to insure that it declined even further for eight years!

But yet those that have not attended meetings, offered ideas or toured the building, constantly lay a barrage of criticism and ridicule on Toledoans, parents and advocacy groups. What a waste of intelligence for the sake of ridicule! I also notice that one individual is allowed to do all of the signifying, while the other two stand back and encourage it, while seemingly keeping their public hands clean. Don't be used brother. At a time when Governor Strickland, The Ohio School Facilities Commission, The Ohio education officials, mayor Finkbeiner of Toledo, The Old West End Historical Society, some members of TPS, various newspapers, television stations and members of the Scott community are attempting to find a common ground to find the best way forward and get answers to unanswered questions, there are the "Gang of 3" that spend their time and energy on negative points of view on these efforts on a weekly basis. Even though the TPS board agreed unanimously to look at Scott again, it was like pulling teeth for the reluctant other three members to sign on. As to whether there will be an honest effort to make it work, only time will tell.

There are hundreds of articles across the nation highlighting the unfair treatment and neglect of Black student and Black schools, and also White students and White schools, why does this neglect come as a surprise to some?

It is probable that this constant attack and ridicule is prevalent in all ethnic groups, but it is extremely hurtful when it comes from some of our own. (Born here or not.)

This attack is often utilized by those in opposition to our Ebony efforts as fuel for outside attacks. They can then cite these inside attacks as proof of our division even on issues that we should come together on. Divide and conquer…crabs in a barrel.

The Black Press should uplift more, criticize less, and not be pawns in helping to ridicule and suppress efforts by those in the community. It is indeed troubling to hear those with a good education and those that has been welcomed into Toledo society and have achieved positions of visibility, utilize their talents for standup comedy, apathy and ridicule. It appears as though the misfortunes that Barack Obama was subjected to by those of the same color is catching on in some of the Black press. I wonder how long Toledoans and Bulldogs will continue to accept the constant apathy and ridicule of their efforts.

There is the audacity of hope for Scott, but the battle is not over yet. All we have been able to do is to garner some attention from the powers that be and some of the news media. The idea that this small school must find $12-14 million dollars, when Start, Roger and Bowsher were not asked to find one thin dime, should wake up some people. The idea that Start HS cost almost $45 million to build, but Scott and Libby would occupy two “tin foil” schools that cost $I2 million apiece should rang some bells, and added to that is the fact that they are now accepting bids to build Woodward for $24 million. $45 million for Start, $24 million for Woodward ( without a running track) and $12 millon for Scott. (This would probably be minus a roof , toilets or lights! ) The school board just recently authorized a return trip to go back into Start to correct electrical problems in that $45 million dollar school. What do you think the quality of an urban school building would be? We need to have a renovation specialist look at Scott and not again take the word of those that misused the information in 2001. If poor judgment was used in the first evaluation, why would we allow them to privately reassess the building again, possible seeking to make the evaluation even more expensive to solidify their desire to close Scott down? It was recently announced that there is the possibility that Scott could have multiple uses which was an idea that I have written and spoken on for over a year. In trying to stay ahead of the curve of awareness, this year I even suggested that TPS move into the facility and that other organizations such as social agencies or even Assets Toledo could occupy additional space. I also wrote two weeks ago about the hardship that will be placed on families that have two students that ride the bus, as the TARTA bus fare increase will place a burden on the parents of finding $80 dollars more a month for bus fares. To me the plan is as plain as daylight, but yet some do not see it and attempt to divide and conquor by supplying misinformation on the Scott issue. Bulldogs don't go for the sell-out of the community again. Remember Dorr Street?

And isn’t puzzling that UT , Owens College, the City of Toledo, the County Commissioners office, corporations and various solar energy operations have not been asked for a sit down meeting to see how they could assist?

The issue of rising $12-14 million is a red herring to distract from the fact that if it could be shown that the student population at Scott could increase, by a mere 300 students with a first class academic program and modern facilities in a renovated icon building of Toledo, the cost for renovation would be completely covered with no expense to the taxpayers. If a petition were to be circulated with the real facts and not just the mantra publicized on an almost weekly basis, I am sure that many parents would agree to send their children to a newly renovated, safe and highly structured academic program, especially past Bulldogs. There are other schools across the nation that were far worse than Scott but yet have been turned around. I have called for an independent student projection plan to no avail, but then no written documentation has been offered on cost or any other aspect of the Scott building plan, so why am I surprised? The two schools concept for Libby and scott probably came about as a result of Start, Bowsher and Rogers saying that they did not want a bulk of students from these schools. So why not take the $28 million fromm Scott and build to tin foil schools that will fall a part in a few years.

On behalf of most of us in the community we say thanks to the Television, radio, bloggers, the public and the various press that have heard our story and have given a fair and balanced view of the situation. To others, it is time again to repent and do damage control to appear to be open minded on the Scott issue.

These are the facts as I see them, but those that are seeking jobs with Jay Leno or Madd Comics or are seeking the title of "Top House Folks in 2008" are free to disagree and to continue to attack Afro-Americans from Toledo from the inside.