It’s A New Year, But How “New” Will It Really Be?

As I start writing my column for this week, first and foremost, I thank my Heavenly Father for granting unto me another year. Almost 81 years ago, right here in Newburgh, N.Y. on Feb. 14th, 1940 at St. Luke’s Hospital, I took my first breath upon this earth. I cannot believe just how fast that these 80 years have flown by. WOW! Newburgh, throughout those years, has been quite a very interesting and amazing city. Truthfully, taking into consideration all that I have seen and experienced in this city, I feel that an “Academy Award” could be or truthfully should have been awarded to it. Everything that we have seen in the movies throughout the years, as it pertains to crime, corruption, police brutality, crooked politicians, whore houses, numbers rackets, name it, and this city can most definitely claim it. If one would put a magnifying glass on this city, as it pertains to “crooked” politicians, “crooked” police, sell-out community leaders, and whatever else that has been seen in the movies, this city of Newburgh would most definitely receive an Academy award. WOW!

How can I say that? I can say that because throughout the years most of it has gone on before my very eyes. If they asked me I could most definitely write a book. In fact, several years ago I decided to do that, but after finishing the twelfth chapter I had to stop because it was very overwhelming. It most definitely would have been chosen to be put into a movie and that movie would have most definitely received an “Academy Award!” Wow! What we see going on in the city of Newburgh now is just minute compared to the way that it was years ago. When one owns a bar, which is where my mother worked, managed and then eventually wound up owning one, all the ills and secrets are always revealed by the customers. Wow! Some of the stuff throughout the years, the good, the bad and the ugly, that was revealed would blow one’s mind. That is the major reason why there was and still is little respect inside of me for the powers that be because I knew, and still do know, the evils that have come forth from most of them throughout the years. I heard about what used to happen down at the Eureka Bar that was on South Water Street. Some of the city’s finest “law and order” men during that era know exactly what I’m talking about. Most of them are probably no longer in the land of the living.

Knowing and hearing about “All” of this stuff is the major causative reason why I feel the way that I do about the “powers that be” because I know so much which has been going on throughout my mind for so many years. The “skeletons” that are within those many closets could build a castle which would be mind blowing. Prostitution, the “Numbers” racket and so much more was allowed to exist because the politicians were being paid, therefore it was allowed. I could go on and on and on about this and maybe I should because that would then explain why throughout the years I have spoken out in the ways that I have. Let me not forget the many sell-outs, in my community, that has gone on throughout the years. Many of our so-called leaders were only about what they could get for themselves and that was the major reason why much did not change for the better for our communities. Most of them were only concerned about what they could get for themselves. Lord have mercy!
Well, here we are now in 2021. This is going to be a significant year, for four council seats will be up for grabs. Hopefully, new blood will be placed in those seats, for if not things for the African American community will not be that good. Headlines such as “Masonic Temple in Newburgh on Tap to be ‘sold’ to Catskills Hotelier” should be waving a “red flag” to the “African American” community, because the move is on to lessen the areas in this city where we will be able to afford to live. Also, let us not forget that in 2018 in an article re; an event which was sponsored by “Blacc Vanilla” it reads, “It brings people and families together to shine a light on the City of Newburgh to bring “new people” to the area, increased tourism, attract new businesses, and have a positive effect on our regional perception!” Also, let us not forget the headline on 3/26/2019 “Newburgh approves tax breaks for redevelopment project!” The Newburgh City Council agreed to give tax breaks for the next 17 years to a housing and community development project by RUPCO that continues the group’s work “transforming” the city’s East End. The first phase of the greater project was the creation of East End Apartments that offers 44 affordable one, two and three bedroom rental units in 15 renovated buildings between Dubois and First Street. The Pilot agreement is critical to RUPCO’S bid for more funding through the state Homes and Community Renewal program. RUPCO estimates the project would offer 217 “temporary” jobs during the two year construction phase and 12 permanent jobs.

Last, but most definitely not least, how many African Americans are going to be the beneficiaries from “all” of this and if so, for how long? What’s going on down on Liberty Street, from Broadway up to the heights? Also what is going on down on Grand Street next to Orange County Community College should be waving a “red flag” as it pertains to the African American community. Go down to Harlem and look at what is going on down there and that will give one a great idea as to how the city of Newburgh is going to eventually be.

Also, let us not ever forget what “Urban Renewal” did to us “African Americans!” “He who forgets the past will most definitely see it repeated again! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!
This upcoming “city council” election when four seats will be up for grabs had better be stirring within your minds for it will determine what the future of African Americans will be in the city of Newburgh for us “Black” folks! We must not allow ourselves to be “hoodwinked” for if we do we will only have ourselves to blame! “Happy New Year!”

Let me end this with Amos 6:1 “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion! Amen!

This is “Lillie’s Point Of View” and I’m just having my say! Now you can have yours! PEACE!