It appeared as if expectations could not be further confounded. Yet things worsen. Where, when and how they end is anyone’s guess.
A pandemic, long-anticipated, created pandemonium. Irreconcilable conflict between public health and economic prosperity ensued. The stock market lost steam. Unemployment hit levels unthinkable since the Great Depression. Lack of access to jobs, housing, and food followed. Urban unrest spiraled uncontrollably.
Hopefully Jackson does not see the rioting and property destruction suffered elsewhere. As Mississippians nervously await whether we “dodge a bullet” or descend into madness, people should discuss avenues of avoiding chaos, minimizing worse case scenarios and maximizing best case scenarios.
The capital city has experienced an expression of historic grievances: In 1963, Tougaloo College students sat-in at Woolworth’s on Capitol Street here — three years after the Greensboro Four began sitting in at Woolworth’s there. Michael O’Brien’s “We Shall Not Be Moved: The Jackson Woolworth’s Sit-In and the Movement It Inspired” covers the 1963 civil disobedience, combustible after Medgar Evers’ murder, bringing the city perilously close to violence. Seven years later — 50 years ago now — the Jackson State massacre differed little. Violent pushback was avoided. A good overview is Nancy Bristow’s “Remembering the Jackson State Tragedy,” in the May 4, 2020 edition of The Nation — available online. (Bristow’s history thereof, Steeped in the Blood of Racism, was published last month by Oxford University Press). Will the city remain fortunate again?
Jackson has a large African American population, an African American mayor, and ample African American representation in its police department. Those points perhaps prove determinative although urban unrest is not grounded in logic and moderation. A more measured population, possessing religious foundation, is a counterbalance. Hopefully these factors offer safety valves if pressures build. Interracial interfaith interactions might commence in advance, allowing any discontent to be examined and addressed early.
Worthwhile analysis on May 30th’s National Public Radio “Weekend Edition Saturday” floated the preventatives of accountability and respect:
The time to acknowledge and address lingering resentments for past wrongs — for any racism and brutality within police departments — is prior to incidents that potentially provoke chaos. Official actions or public inquiry are unnecessary to discover disparate treatment. Caucasians can communicate with African American friends, colleagues and acquaintances about what goes unaddressed.
After respect for authority erodes, regaining respect is elusive. Required is respect for everyone.
Respecting the dispossessed and powerless alongside elected officials and the police can create cohesion constituent of community advancement.
Mississippi has had more than its share of racism and violence. Yet many more Mississippians are generous in spirit and charitable towards others. Synergies bringing out the best in others are ounces of prevention worth pounds of cure — more than cure to the extent that overcoming enmity and rebuilding trust are onerous and slow.
There is more than passing likelihood that Spring 2020’s rioting and looting might worsen during summer. Hopefully Jacksonians catalyze conversation and corrective action prior to needing them. Swift response is better than hesitation.
This election year may track the divisiveness of 1968. The saddest legacy of 1960s looting and riots was the destruction of businesses in impoverished communities — never rebuilt —- creating downward cycles. Jackson lacks resources to address such dynamics. Jackson requires rapid response anticipating reasons for racial unrest.
Jay Wiener is a Northsider.
