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How are we supposed to adequately determine what kind of resources we need to address social neglect that negatively affect our community be it murders or other environmental conditions that can lead to the ultimate demise of a community or an individual?
The Blade reported on January 2, 2014 a total of 31 victims of homicide that included 7 White, 24 Black resulting in the death of 7 female and 24 male (Source: Toledo Police Dept.).
I am confident that the African-American community sees this as a travesty and is somehow trying to address this problem by utilizing multiple layers of prevention, intervention, and treatment resources available to them by their hard earned taxes.
And if there is a need for new and innovative ways to reduce and/or eliminate crime in their neighborhoods, I am sure they are trying to do everything possible to make the necessary changes. That effort may also include challenging the social, economic, and political systems that exist in Toledo to do much more or even rally against these status quo institutions to do better or give them the funding to implement real grassroots changes needed.
Latinos must take a deeper look at where and why we are not being represented in statistical findings that are impacting our community negatively and especially those areas impacting our social, economic and political livelihood. This includes public education institutions, city government, health services, homeownership, workforce training and hiring, political appointments, and immigration discrimination and deportations. This is not a complete list but I hope you get the idea.
If Latinos continue to allow themselves to be identified and categorized as white, African-Americans, or other, then how can we really determine the real state and conditions of Latinos in Toledo? How can we really get to the roots of poverty if don’t have all the facts?
We need to be counted and reflected correctly in all public funded institutions and organizations! ¡Dale!
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