Dallas Budget Puts Black Dallas Last
-Proposed budget by City Manager Broadnax neglects public safety—the top concern of black voters in Dallas
-We need 4000 more police officers to end the wave of murders against black people
-Call Mayor Johnson and City Council and tell them our families deserve safety
Every other day, there are an increasing number victims of violent crime in Dallas. More often than not, the victims are minorities, and the majority of the minorities affected are Black. As unwavering advocates for justice, we rise to address the proposed city budget with both conviction and compassion. Our community’s well-being is non-negotiable, and the moment has arrived to demand a budget that mirrors our collective values and aspirations.
At the forefront of our apprehensions stands the paramount issue of public safety—a matter that transcends divisions and resonates across all backgrounds. It is with profound unease that we witness the mounting 911 response times, an alarming development that compromises the lives of Black community. In times of crisis, each fleeting moment matters. Every individual, irrespective of their origins, deserves a prompt and efficient response in their hour of need.
We acknowledge that the call for increased police presence reverberates throughout the entirety of Dallas. Yet, we must confront an inescapable reality: the proposal for an additional 290 police officers falls short of the mark, particularly in light of the forthcoming departure of 250 officers. This discrepancy magnifies our vulnerability and heightens existing risks. Offering retirees bonuses is also not enough and neither is the unsustainable dependency on overtime.
Our demand is not one of excess, but rather for adequate resources that can guarantee the safety of our streets, homes, and families. The current budget blueprint does not adequately address this urgent necessity.
Our compassion extends not solely to the citizens but also to the dedicated men and women who serve in our police force. Imposing mandatory overtime on officers is a precarious path that jeopardizes both their well-being and their effectiveness. We bear a collective responsibility to advocate for a budget that acknowledges the importance of the health and mental resilience of our officers. This approach empowers them to better protect and serve our community.
Amid scrutinizing the budget’s distribution, we acknowledge the intricate balance between essential services and enhancements to our quality of life. However, let us be unequivocal: the safety and prosperity of Black Dallas must never be compromised for the pursuit of cultural and leisure activities. Every dollar diverted from public safety diminishes the value we place on our community members’ lives.
In a realm of numbers, it is imperative to note the substantial salary of City Manager TC Broadnax, exceeding $425,000. This mention serves not to belittle his role, but to underscore the potential for reallocating these resources to fulfill the critical needs of our community, particularly in the domain of public safety. Wealth is a great insulation from the effects of crime and poverty. Claiming that crime is on the decline, while the wealthy enjoy street safety in isolation is not what we need.
As we dissect the finer details of the budget, we must address a glaring divergence. The City Manager, Dallas City Council, and Mayor Johnson seem to perceive a decline in crime, a perception that stands in stark contrast to the reality. Minorities constitute the majority of crime victims, and the rising response times directly correlate to an escalation in mortality rates. This disconnection between perception and actuality emphasizes the need for a budget that harmonizes with the lived experiences of our community.
In the course of our analysis, we must remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice. The budget allocates the second-highest amount to public safety, but as concerns mount and needs intensify, this allotment falls distressingly short. We implore the City Council and Mayor Johnson to reevaluate this distribution through the lens of justice, elevating the safety and prosperity of Black Dallas residents above all else.
May our collective voice resound with unwavering commitment and compassion as we rally for a budget that upholds the worth of every Black life in Dallas. The well-being of our community hinges on our resolute dedication to enact change. Together, we possess the power to reshape our city’s trajectory, steering it towards a future defined by justice, safety, and compassion for all.
