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The issue of extreme poverty in the city of Valdosta, particularly if you are black, is a growing problem that will have to be energetically addressed by the community, soon, in order for Valdosta to continue to grow and thrive.
The recent “Analysis of Impediments” study, a requirement for Valdosta to receive funding from the Department ofHousing and Urban Development, portrays a stark picture of the community.
The study shows that if you are a member of the black population in Valdosta, you are nearly three times as likely to be unemployed, almost twice as likely to live in poverty, and are nearly five times as likely to not graduate from high school than the white population.
Median household income, according to census data, also shows that white households out-earn black households by nearly double, at $38,000 for whites and $21,000 for blacks.
Overall in the city of Valdosta, the census shows 30 percent of the entire population lives below poverty level, compared to only 16 percent of the population of Georgia and only 13 percent nationwide.
With the black population in Valdosta at 51 percent, to 43 percent white, it can be said that the majority of the population in the city is disadvantaged. Those who are born poor, according to Children in Poverty, are far more likely to suffer from hunger on a daily basis, have learning issues and problems in school which can later lead to discipline problems, are far more likely to suffer young and violent deaths, are far more likely to join gangs and lead a life of crime, and are rarely able to overcome these issues to end the poverty cycle.
Councilman James Wright, former Superintendent Sam Allen, businessman Roy Taylor, businessman Edgar Roberts and Bishop Wade McCrae are forming a grass roots group to address the issues raised by the study. As these men note, when children know nothing but poverty, are surrounded by those who drop out of high school and can’t find a job, it is far easier to go along to get along and turn to gangs and crime as a way of life.
Until Valdosta addresses these issues and breaks the poverty cycle, all other segments that citizens complain about will continue to suffer. You need an educated, trained workforce to bring in development and higher paying jobs. You need a steady income and a job to buy a house. You need transportation to get to a job.
You need an entire community’s focus to be on improving the lives of those who make up its majority in order to reduce crime, reduce poverty, reduce hunger, and reduce illiteracy. It takes a village to raise a child and it’s time for this village to get to work.
What We Think
Act now to prevent problems later
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Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To mail workers, volunteers and food bank staff for gathering food for the annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive today. A plastic bag designated for canned goods and other non-perishable food items should have arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. If you haven’t already, take a few moments to fill the bag with food and hang from your mailbox. If you didn’t receive the special Stamp Out Hunger bag, any plastic bag filled with food will do. This food drive helps feed thousands of South Georgians annually. Valdosta-Lowndes County often donates more food than nearly all other cities and counties in Georgia.
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Celebrating nurses
She is considered the founder of modern nursing so it seems only natural that National Nurses Week would include Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
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Helping the hungry: Mail it in!
Valdosta-Lowndes County continues revealing its generous spirit.
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Thoughts on graduation
