by Sandra Cuellar Oxford
Editor's Note: This letter is a response to an op-ed published last week inThe Writer's Workshop of Sullivan County and the New York Section of The Huffington Post by Steven Kurlander. If you would like to continue a written dialogue of this sort on this topic, please feel free to contribute your words (try to keep them to between 500-750 words). - SK
Dear Steven:
I want to thank you for your vote of confidence and kind offer to assist the Sullivan County Branch of the NAACP. I reposted your thoughtful op-ed letter on race relations, I believe it is worthy of a community-wide conversation.
The NAACP is the oldest Civil Rights organization in the United States; historically great leadership has been present throughout the continuum of the struggle for Human Rights for all Americans. The NAACP is a membership organization, annual dues are $30 per year, and our membership drives are on-going in order to meet the benchmarks put forth by the NAACP.
The work of our branch is clearly defined by NAACP National and theNYS NAACP's executive leadership. Each NAACP Branch must have 5 standing committees: 1. Economic Sustainability, 2.Education, 3. Health, 4. Public Safety and Criminal Justice and 5.Voting Rights and Political Representation.
The community is welcome to attend our January 8th meeting, 6:00 pm at the Ted Strobel Center in Monticello, NY.
Our newly elected Board of Directors will be installed and we will be appointing committee Co-chairs from the membership to our five committees. I am joined by a remarkable group of neighbors who have made the commitment to serve on the Executive Committee.
First Chair-Sandra Johnson Fields is has raised her family for over a decade in Sullivan County. She has provided her unique brand of governance as a school administrator and is a constant voice of empowerment and encouragement to parents and students.
Our new Treasurer-Gladys Walker is a treasure and recently retired after three decades of service and leadership of the largest anti-poverty, multi-service organization in Sullivan County. Aside from the multitude of professional experiences, her family's rich history in Sullivan County is equally cherished.
Reelected Secretary-Elaine Williams brings a life time of civil rights activism, leadership and NAACP organizational experience to our executive board. Her knowledge remains a constant driving force today as it has been throughout the various social movements she has contributed to.
Lastly our Second Vice Chair-David Ryan lives between Sullivan and Chenango County, he is a civil engineer and offers diversity of experience and skills to our newly elected executive board.
As the Sullivan County NAACP Branch proudly enters a new year; our county is in the midst of transformation. It is essential to ensure to that our members and our community have a seat at the table.
I have never owned a copy of Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" but I get your point about representation and diversity in our government, areas of employment and various community boards.
The concept really should not be viewed as "radical" but "fair and just".
A bird's eye view offers a glimpse into the disproportion and gap we see in Sullivan County. A recent example brought to my attention is that it appears in the Monticello Government Center there is only one African American male employed in the entire building. That in itself is stunning to me. And to add insult to injury it is not even a full-time position.
Economic sustainability and access to stable employment should not be a privilege nor should political patronage ever play a part in deciding employment, but it does.
Looking at the various agencies and offices in our County and Municipal Governments reveals a lot about the organizational culture of each one of those departments in Sullivan County.
If we are going to take pages from anyone's book let it be those departments, agencies or municipalities in Sullivan County who have made a sincere and honest attempt to build bridges across the racial and cultural divide.
On the surface without specific data it appears that local diversity and representation is stronger in Law Enforcement agencies locally than other governmental agencies. Two examples are Sullivan County Sheriff's Department and Monticello PD both agencies have cultivated a cadre of law enforcement professionals from diverse backgrounds.
With the introduction of Casino Gambling into our local economy it will be imperative that this industry not mimic the failed employment practices of the past that limited or excluded diversity from the ranks of their leadership; this is an area I anticipate our Sullivan County Branch will be vigorously involved in.
Steven, your observation about our local system of justice is not lost on me, I get it and in the spirit of diplomacy I believe a place to begin is with an examination and collection of information to tell our story of the impact of federal, state and local criminal justice system practices in Sullivan County.
If there is an overrepresentation of minorities among Sullivan County arrests, convictions, and sentences to state prison or other harsher treatment within the criminal justice continuum, locally our branch must be engaged and prepared to make recommendations for change.
Also very little local attention has been given to chronicle the overwhelming impact the criminal justice system has on individuals and communities most affected by crime. Are we really putting resources back into these communities to repair those most distressed by crime?
Sullivan County may have its fair share of "issues" we also have great strengths and assets that are unique and exclusive to our region.Sullivan County will 'break out from the bottom' of poor health indicators. I am particularly optimistic in this area because of the leadership found on the frontlines of addressing these health disparities.
As the Department of Family Services continues to address internal and external fraud and waste in the system, I believe that it is crucial to support courageous leadership and rank-and-file workers locally that are willing to confront, speak out and blow the whistle on the corruption.
Backing good leadership is just as crucial as cultivating new leadership. Creating opportunities for emerging leaders in various capacities will be foremost in moving Sullivan County ahead.
A few personal comments on some of the cultural observations you have made regarding diversity and the absence of it as it relates to lack of African American DJ's on the air of our local commercial radio stations. As a proud supporter of the work and inclusiveness of WJFF Radio in Jeffersonville, our NPR affiliate offers diverse locally produced programs which include African American hosts and some bilingual English/Spanish programming. Because of the station's inclusiveness and commitment to promoting our area's diversity WJFF provides a local model for others radio stations to reflect upon.
Another personal point I wish to address about diversity and our County Legislature is the fact that our County Legislature has a Latina who is bilingual and biliterate currently representing District 6. Like me, she has a strong Colombian-American heritage and most Spanish speakers in Sullivan County know exactly who she is, because she never hesitates to reach out to constituents or residents in English or Spanish.
In closing I appreciate your time spent in making recommendations and thank you again for sharing your views on these matters in your OP-ED piece.
Our NAACP in Sullivan County can become a State and National model...anything is possible. Our strength is in on our membership and our members will move the agenda forward.
I am honored and humbled by the support I have received from so many friends and allies.
I would like to invite everyone reading this to re-double your commitment and join us in creating a blueprint for uplifting Sullivan County in 2015, it is time to welcome our destiny.
In Unity,
Sandy Cuellar Oxford
