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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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Historic day celebrated
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Thumbs up
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