People leave interesting comments on the blog posts I write for Mainstreetrockymount.com. Unless one is particularly snarky and divisive, which is seldom, I welcome the information that people add. Today’s blog is in response to a comment from someone who lives in Ward 1. I find it insightful and informative. I believe you will agree. A #hashtag could read: Truth speaks to power. I’m grateful for the time it took to leave this comment to share with the Main Street blog readers. I’m providing a link for the blog post about Councilman Knight’s fly apart with Troy Davis at the Council meeting. Knight runs for reelection this October having held that seat for 20 years. . Click on: https://mainstreetrockymount.com/2023/04/04/andre-knights-speech-how-dare-you-challenge-us/
Here is the youtube link on the section of the Davis/Knight City Council happening.https://youtu.be/WOWWd-m2Yb0
Best of all, however, is this Comment. Thank you, L.L. for keeping me company on Main Street.
THE COMMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY
L.L.
Apr 6, 2023
I cannot answer why Ward 1 constituents continue to vote because I am new to the area. I will be ignorant if I dismiss the history and struggles of where many non-white people came from in this area. There is some merit to what Mr. Knight stands for, obviously, but for some reason, he’s not relating very well to me. Let me say this: I am not one who has voted for him since moving here and here are the reasons why:
—He has not made himself known to a newcomer as myself. I am not saying he had to ring my bell and shake my hand but at least post an updated URL that talks about himself and accomplishments, where he’s come from and where he plans to take Ward 1 and so forth.
—He nor his staff have reached back to me with responses to my questions. Attending the council meeting cannot be the ONLY way to voice my concerns.
—I am not sure if he’s for the younger voices of his Ward, especially outsiders who have made RM their dwelling. It’s been 4 years since I’ve been here and I’ve not seen not one flyer, one video, received not one email or even snail mail letter from our councilman. How can I vote for someone I don’t know.
Again, I understand Mr. Knight has to be given his due because of all he’s done (as he says) but he is not speaking to my demographic (well, in my opinion). He also still speaks the language of yesteryear and not to the new and upcoming folks (if they still choose) to RM.
Mr. Knight can simply put out a video introducing himself and inviting us to speak to him (and forgive me if he has. I have not been privy to it). In my previous locale, my councilman would (and still does) calls a sidewalk meeting for the constituents to meet him face to face and to bring their concerns. Mr. Knight has a demeanor to me (when viewed online), that seems unapproachable. He could also use a visible mentee that Ward 1 knows. This mentee will know the past history but will build on it to speak the language of the new. We, in Ward 1, do not want to forgo the past history; it is important. However, it needs to be translated to how it can be applied today but in an attractive way. No one wants to always be beat over the head with “black and white” talk, especially when it’s not necessary.
If Mr. Knight and others have helped Mr. Davis in the past, why is it that Mr. Davis could not question practices that may seem dubious? Why be offensive or defensive? Do they now own Mr. Davis because they’ve helped him? What was spoken from the desk made it seem as if citizens, should never speak against events (no matter how good, bad or indifferent) because of fear of one-way communication shutdowns.
Lastly, again, if no one knows the past histories of this Council, Mr. Davis and introducing Ms. Copeland, then it looked to be mighty strange to have Mr. Knight tell Ms. Copeland that her “white privilege ends here” when she seemingly was standing up for not only Mr. Davis (a black man) but any others who needed to challenge the thought processes and ideas of government. So, at that moment, what “white privilege” was she using? If any, it was to benefit those not white and that meant something positive to me. Mr. Knight also commented on being tired of his own going against him (paraphrased since I am not reviewing video at this moment) and that might be true. However, are they bringing up legitimate concerns and not being responded to, such as my email, letter…?
Mr. Davis said that if about $2 million dollars was pumped into several of RM’s communities in the past 13 years, a difference would have been made. Granted, I understand neighborhoods don’t just change from outward efforts but…If monies could be found to renovate the Judicial Center, where are the advancements of these communities that need the funds the most? Maybe if the council were still living in those areas…
Anyway, Ward 1 might have a population of elders that have given up on voting/the system/their representatives, or are siding with Mr. Knight because of personal affiliations, or what but as for me and what I know and see now—I don’t know enough to cast my vote for him.
Main Street Rocky Mount 
Jan, thank you for that insight. I am really not sure about how this “council” stuff operates and because I am so busy making a living–I don’t really have the time like I should, to inquire. I do know he doesn’t live in the Ward and I don’t think others of the council live in their Wards either (???) so obviously, it must be validated to do if he/they are able to get away with it for this long. I do believe, one must be called to the duty of running for council membership. It’s not a light job and when you aren’t called to knock on doors, shake hands, have a listening ear–well, we all know that things become messy. I am not soured by RM. When I came here, I saw the potential of growth. I have great belief that in the right season, someone will rise to give hope to those who share the sentiment of having new leadership. Because if we don’t have hope and all of this falls to the wayside, how terrible it will be! Especially for the Edgecombe side of RM–the thinner twin of the fraternal twins! LOL! But really, when I can, I keep talking and inquiring so that I can be better informed. Thanks again, Jan!
And as for you Ms. Stepheny:
Thank you so much for highlighting my thoughts and hopefully, they will be a beacon for positive change for Ward 1. My position, however, is still the same when it comes to voting for councilperson. If we do not have any other running mates, then I guess, I will vote for a made-up candidate. 😊
At this time, I don’t feel it’s necessary to beat on this drum any longer. So many other issues to face and really, I am looking forward to having Metronet come to possibly have my internet bill lowered! That would truly bring a smile to my face! 😊
Seriously though, thank you! I know things will get better because Rocky Mount is committed to making it happen. All I ask is that the “soul” of the city is also prospering (3 John 2 in mind). We cannot forget the past, for it helps to shape the future but communication needs to be an effort on both parts in every way possible so that all can understand.
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WOW! Sounds like L.L. might be the one to back baby in a corner. I myself have often questioned why Mr. Knight does not make his presence known in his district one using all the media methods that L.L. hinted at himself or herself mentioned. I must assume that L.L. is not aware that this so-called representative of Ward one does not even live in his ward as required by law of the city and has no staff paid by him or the ward to handle the residence queries or listen to their concerns in the absence of their ruler. Sounds like he is relying on the OIC staff to take care of his secretarial duties and who can blame them for not being his messengers because that is not their job. They do not work for the city nor for Mr. Knight. I sure hope L.L. does not get a sour taste in his mouth for Rocky Mount because of the actions or lack of action from one Mr. Knight. Maybe L. L. has witnessed enough or heard enough to throw his/her at in the ring to help the city rid one way past over due to get out of office Mr. Knight. I admire this person already for stating it is not a black or white issue, but the real issue is a narcissist that does not have his ward at the top of his priority list as a public servant should. He does not serve as an at large member but has only one ward he should be concerned with, but he has convinced that big head on his shoulders that he is irreplaceable, and nothing could be further from the truth. Just the right person has not had the initiative to go out and work the ward and canvas the ward and show the people someone that can and wants to really help them and the ward. A lot of door knocking and hand shaking and meeting folks on a one-to-one level and talking ear to ear to these folks individually is what it is going to take to defeat a man that is already defeated and has allowed Ward one to become defeated as well. As L.L. stated communication is the key component here. Welcome to the city of Rocky Mount L.L. and I am sorry your councilman has let you down.
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