‘I cannot unsee the violence.’ Westport sidewalks should be privatized

Let’s address the elephant in the room.

I’m a black man, a pastor, a graduate of a historically black college and a community activist. I support Westport’s proposal to privatize sidewalks so that people can be checked for guns and the threat of late-night violence can be reduced.

I was born and raised in Atlanta, in the heart of the West End, just a short walk to some of the greatest historic black colleges and universities in the country. To be clear, I’m one of the most “woke” individuals you’ll ever meet.

Being woke means I recognize racial disparities and the history of racial undertones of past practice and policies. I’m able to see while many around me are still sleeping.

Sleep is the exact opposite of woke. It is the failure to recognize institutionalized racism and violence.

Being “woke” also means I cannot unsee the violence in Westport. I cannot unsee Officer Thomas Orr’s homicide this past summer — I was there that night. I cannot unsee the bullets that shattered the windows of the Westport Coffee House that I saw when arriving for the Sunday morning church service we hold there.

I cannot unsee the blood in the parking lot from a Saturday night homicide. I cannot ignore a careless gunman firing into a crowd of people. I cannot unsee six innocent bystanders shot this year alone. I cannot turn a blind eye to the number of weapons offenses quadrupling in just one year.

I still have great trepidation when I think of privatizing public spaces. The elders of our community have made me aware of past prejudices that beset our city. Like many of you reading this article, I believe violence is a problem from Prospect to Westport, and something needs to be done about it.

I had hoped for another solution. But after thoroughly researching Missouri state laws, attending countless meetings with the Westport Business League, and examining present security protocols, I had no other recommendation.

Because the bottom line is, under Missouri’s current “right to carry” laws, it is unlawful to check for weapons on public streets.

I asked the hard questions, including: How can we guarantee Westport won’t become like other entertainment districts that have privatized sidewalks and used them for ill or profitable intent?

Well, for one, the proposed memorandum of understanding between Westport and the city has very strict guidelines. The sidewalks can only be privatized late at night on weekends and during special events.

The city can revoke the permit with a 30-day notice for any reason, and there will not be a discriminatory dress code to enter the common area.

Still. How can we trust that this is enough?

I think about Tom and Pam, the owners of the Westport Coffee House. When my predominantly black church needed a space to worship after our air conditioners were stolen from our church building in the heat of June, they opened their doors. Again, when we needed space while our new church was being constructed, they opened their doors.

Then I thought about Tom boarding up the windows of his business from the previous night’s shoot-out.

I wish there was another way. The climate of our city and state, however, necessitates enforceable action to keep people safe. We have a moral obligation — better yet, a responsibility — to protect our community.

One life lost is one too many. I know for many, my perspective will be unpopular, and that’s OK. I’m a pastor, not a politician. If the young people in my church and of this city can hang out in Westport and go home safely, it will have been worth it.

This story was originally published December 10, 2017 at 7:00 AM with the headline "‘I cannot unsee the violence.’ Westport sidewalks should be privatized."