As we look back at the changes of Glenwood Avenue over these past twenty years, it would be wise to reflect on the decisions that created this Frankenstein monster that can no longer be controlled. The Glenwood entertainment district did not just pop up organically, it was nurtured through rezoning.
They went so far as to make an offer on a home, only to withdraw it days later. The constant news headlines reporting assaults, stabbings, and shootings downtown ultimately scared them away. A direct quote is, “while Denver has a major homelessness problem, they have services in place and the city maintains control of their drunks.” They did not feel that was the case in Raleigh.
The City of Raleigh needs to stand by their non-discrimination ordinance and uphold their promise of opposing discrimination in all forms. Even if that form comes from state legislatures. What I’m asking you to do is to work on an official statement, from the Raleigh City Council, that condemns the passage of anti-LGBTQ and other discriminatory laws. The queer community in Raleigh needs your support. They need protection from those that sympathize with anti-gay, anti-trans, anti-queer bigotry.
The Raleigh Reparative Justice Working Group has taken the lead to keep the request for the City to establish a Reparative Justice Commission. We have letters and emails from 25 Raleigh organizations that support the establishment of a commission. There are over 500+ residents that have signed a petition. We know the budget conversations will start or have already started this fall. We want this request for staff funding to support this initiative included in the FY25 budget discussions.
The shirt I am wearing tonight I had made for and wore to the July meeting. It reads I went to Glenwood South and made it out Alive. Unfortunately, David Millette did not. I wear this shirt tonight in memory of David and as a reminder of the price he paid just for going out to Glenwood South one night.