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Texas Boys & Girls State Honors JROTC Cadets

Local

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2024-05-28

Fred Brock Post 828, Auxiliary sponsor 17 for Texas Boys & Girls State, honors JROTC Cadets

The American Legion is a strong supporter of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and ROTC programs across the country.

Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828 annually presents Military Excellence and Scholastic Excellence Award Medals to outstanding cadets from Sam Houston, Breckenridge, and Highlands High Schools, all within the San Antonio Independent School District (ISD).

On May 1, Post Commander Burrell Parmer attended Sam Houston High School’s JROTC Awards Ceremony presenting the Military Excellence Medal to Cadet Capt. Davina Carreno and the Scholastic Excellence Medal to Cadet Lt. Col. Zariah Ford.

Additional JROTC awards were presented at Brackenridge High School on May 17 to Cadets 1st Lt. Jackelyn Hernandez-Rangel (Scholastic Excellence Medal) and Capt. Daniel Perdomo (Military Leadership Excellence Medal). The awards ceremony for Highlands High School was held May 22 with medals presented to Cadets Pfc. Mariana Carranco (Scholastic Excellence Medal) and Cpl. Noah Martinez (Military Leadership Excellence Medal).

In support of Texas Boys State and Texas Bluebonnet Girls State, the Post and Auxiliary Unit 828 is sponsoring eight boys and nine girls for the weeklong programs. The boys will be traveling to the University of Texas-Austin and the girls will be at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas, in June.

To prepare statesmen for Boys State, the “Mighty” 20th District held its Boys State Orientation at Alamo Post No. 2, May 8.

More than 100 statesmen, joined by their parents, attended the orientation hearing remarks from District Americanism Chair Eric Mayer of Business and Professional Post No. 10, and for the first time, the orientation was conducted by Texas Boys State Alums. On May 19, District Orientation for Bluebonnet Girls State was held at William M. Randolph Post No. 593 in Converse, Texas.

American Legion Boys State and Girls State are among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students.

They are participatory programs where students become a part of the operation of their local, county, and state government.

At American Legion Boys State and Girls State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges along with duties and responsibilities of a franchised citizen.

The Switch Up: George Floyd’s Death Rocked the World Until It Didn’t

Observer Staff

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2024-05-28

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The Switch Up: George Floyd’s Death Rocked the World Until It Didn’t

In the wake of George Floyd’s death, a global awakening seemed to spark an unprecedented commitment to racial justice and police reform. Across the United States, citizens and lawmakers alike appeared poised to address systemic issues head-on. Fast forward to today, and the situation paints a grim reality. The initial flurry of support for Black Lives Matter and its demands for equality and justice has waned significantly, replaced by a resurgence of policies that threaten to undo the progress made.

Recent legislative actions across several states, including Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Maryland, Oregon, and Florida, reflect a disturbing trend toward reintroducing and enforcing tougher laws that disproportionately impact Black communities. In Georgia, the rollback of criminal justice reforms and the imposition of cash bail for new crimes mark a significant regression from the progress made just a few years ago. Tennessee’s decision to block reforms that could have improved how police handle routine traffic stops directly contradicts the lessons we should have learned from the tragic death of Tyre Nichols.

Florida, under Governor Ron DeSantis, has become the epicenter of this reactionary wave. The so-called “anti-rioting” law and other measures that limit the powers of civilian review boards and restrict the ability of bystanders to film police actions represent a clear threat to the very principles of transparency and accountability that activists have fought to uphold. The rationale given—that these laws are meant to ensure safety and order—rings hollow when viewed against the backdrop of their implications.

These legislative changes are not just political maneuvers; they are direct responses to the heightened scrutiny police departments faced in the aftermath of Floyd’s murder. They aim to curtail the power of the public and independent bodies to hold law enforcement accountable. This pushback against reform efforts is not about enhancing safety but about consolidating power and shielding police from oversight.

The narrative being constructed by some lawmakers, that these laws are for the protection of all, blatantly ignores the disproportionate impact they have on Black communities. It’s a narrative that seeks to pacify with promises of order at the expense of justice.

Moreover, the real-life consequences of these policies are already visible. The shooting of Donald Armstrong by Miami police, cited as a response to a mental health crisis, exemplifies the urgent need for the kind of reform these new laws aim to dismantle. The continued reliance on lethal force and the lack of de-escalation tactics are issues that laws like those in Florida only serve to exacerbate.

It is vital that we recognize these steps backward for what they are: a concerted effort to weaken the momentum towards genuine equality and justice. We must challenge these regressive policies and continue to demand accountability and reform. As the community and families of those affected by police violence persist in their fight, so too must our collective resolve to oppose any actions that undermine our pursuit of a fair and just society.

Our commitment must not waver, for the stakes are too high and the cost too great. The battle for justice and equality demands our unwavering attention and action, lest we find ourselves repeating the very cycles of violence and injustice we seek to end.

Big Medicaid Health Plan Changes Coming Soon for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities. Are You Ready?

Health

Guest

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2024-05-28

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Big Medicaid Health Plan Changes Coming Soon for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities. Are You Ready?

STAR+PLUS program changes happening this summer.

By Community First Health Plans — This fall, Bexar County will see a big shift in health plan providers for seniors and adults with disabilities. Here is what you need to know.

Many seniors and adults with disabilities enrolled in Medicaid’s STAR+PLUS program will need to select a new health plan. STAR+PLUS is a Medicaid managed care program for health care and long-term care services for adults who have disabilities or are age 65 or older. STAR+PLUS is one of Medicaid’s largest programs for this population, who usually require specialized medical care and support services. A critical transition in STAR+PLUS coverage is underway as some health plans are leaving the Bexar County area. STAR+PLUS members will be notified if they need to choose a new plan. The deadline to choose a new plan is July 1st.

The health plan you choose matters. Each health plan has a different network of doctors and specialists, home and community-based support providers, and value-added services (extra benefits). Community First Health Plans is the only local health plan option for residents of Bexar County and the seven surrounding counties and offers members the following extra benefits: in-home respite care, gift card rewards, diabetes prevention and weight loss programs with complimentary YMCA memberships, foot care and insulated cooler bag for members with diabetes, a mask with aerosol chamber and more products for members with asthma, an allowance for seat attachment that fits on a walker, extra vision services, low-cost dental services to include no-cost dental exams, x-rays, and up to 50% off orthodontic services for members and their uninsured family members, home-delivered prepared meals after a hospital stay, gift card rewards and baby items for pregnant members, a prescription savings card for uninsured family members, Zumba classes for members and their families with fitness giveaways, and more. (*Effective September 1, 2024. Eligibility requirements apply.)

“After nearly 30 years of providing fellow citizens of South Texas with much-needed health coverage, we are eager to expand our footprint once again and offer our services to STAR+PLUS Members,” says Theresa Rodriguez Scepanski, Community First President & CEO. “We hope to close gaps in health care for these Members by anticipating their unique health needs and meeting those needs through experience and compassion, and by putting the Members first, helping them to meet their health goals and maintain their independence.”

Only some people who have STAR+PLUS will need to change their health plans. This is because several large health plans that currently offer STAR+PLUS to residents of Bexar County and surrounding areas will no longer provide coverage beginning September 1.You will be notified if you need to select a new plan.

If you have STAR+PLUS, you should check your mail for information from Health and Human Services and respond right away and report any changes to your phone number or address by calling 2-1-1 or online at YourTexasBenefits.com. The deadline to select a new STAR+PLUS health plan is July 1, 2024. If you do not choose a new plan, one will be chosen for you. Coverage under your new plan will begin September 1, 2024.

Community First Health Plans can answer questions and assist STAR+PLUS members during this transition. If you need help understanding your options, in-person support is available in English and Spanish at the Avenida Guadalupe Community Office located at 1410 Guadalupe Street, Suite 222, San Antonio, TX. Visit CommunityFirstSTARPLUS.com for updates or call 1-844-382-2347 for help in English or Spanish.

Diddy Suffers Another Setback As His Sean John Glasses Get Taken Off Shelves At America’s Best

News

Observer Staff

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2024-05-28

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Diddy Suffers Another Setback As His Sean John Glasses Get Taken Off Shelves At America’s Best

Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ business empire keeps taking hits after the release of a brutal video where he was seen hitting his former girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura.

Sales of the rapper’s Sean John frames have been halted by a leading American eyewear retailer following the public condemnation of his actions in the assault video.

This comes after Peloton severed ties with Diddy by banning his music and his Bad Boy entertainment series from its program playlist.

Diddy’s Sean John Frames Get Pulled By America’s Best Contacts And Eyeglasses

The “Bad Boy For Life” crooner has suffered a significant business loss after sales of his Sean John frames were halted at a leading eyewear retailer amid his mounting legal troubles and the public outcry against him.

The company, America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, severed ties with Diddy by swiftly taking his frames off shelves at several stores.

According to TMZ, stores were notified on Tuesday to pause further sales of the Sean John frames and remove them from the rack while awaiting further instructions.

They were also instructed to replace Diddy’s glasses with other frames from understock at an appropriate price.

Although no reason was given for the company’s move, a source with inside information confirmed that the retail company “began pulling the frames online last month and did the same earlier this week in brick-and-mortar stores.”

Are Company’s Canceling The Music Executive?

Diddy’s business setbacks seem to be caused by the viral 2016 hotel surveillance footage that saw him stomping, kicking, and dragging his ex, Cassie.

Recently, fitness company Peloton temporarily banned Diddy’s music and Bad Boy entertainment series from its program.

The fitness company severed ties with the “Finna Get Loose” rapper in a statement shared on a private member’s Facebook page after a concerned user suggested that the company’s “next purge needs to be all Diddy classes.”

“We take this issue very seriously and can confirm Peloton has paused the use of Sean Combs’ music, as well as removed the Bad Boy Entertainment Artist Series, on our platform,” Peloton’s statement read, per RadarOnline.

They added, “This means our instructors are no longer using his music in any newly produced classes. Again, thank you for sharing your concerns, and thank you for being a member of our Peloton community.”

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Might Take Back Diddy’s Key To The City

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who gave Diddy the key to the city back in September 2023, has also shared that the committee may consider rescinding the honor, something that has never happened before.

The honor is reserved for “individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.”

However, following the assault clip on Cassie, Mayor Adams, in a recent interview with PIX11, said that the video was “deeply disturbing” and that they may consider withdrawing the honor from Diddy.

Diddy Apologized For The Gruesome Video

Diddy has since apologized for his actions in the assault video, but that hasn’t helped to stop the backlash.

The “We Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” rapper took to his Instagram page to share a video in which he labeled his actions “inexcusable” and said that he takes “full responsibility” for them.

“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Diddy says in the video. “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now, I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry.”

He added that he’s “committed to [being] a better man each and every day” and that he’s “truly sorry” for his actions.

Is The Rapper Truly Sorry?

Although he has apologized for assaulting Cassie, the music mogul is reportedly enraged about the leaked video as it seemingly doesn’t account for all that happened.

A source told the New York Post that Diddy is angry that the video surfaced as it only tells one part of what happened between him and the “Long Way 2 Go” singer, who filed a now-settled $30 million sexual assault lawsuit against him in November, last year.

“He’s incensed,” a close source shared. “Especially about the video. He insists it doesn’t tell the full story about what happened. Not that he’s excusing it, but he says that it’s a selected video.”

Disgusting.

Average US vehicle age hits record 12.6 years- “We Can’t Afford a $800 Payment”

National

Observer Staff

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2024-05-28

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Average US vehicle age hits record 12.6 years- “We Can’t Afford a $800 Payment”

Cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. keep getting older

Cars, trucks, and SUVs in the U.S. are getting older, with the average age hitting a record 12.6 years in 2024. This trend is largely due to the high cost of new vehicles, causing many people to hold on to their current cars.

S&P Global Mobility, which monitors state vehicle registration data, reported that the average vehicle age increased by about two months from last year’s record. This growth in vehicle age is slowing down as new vehicle sales begin to recover from pandemic-related parts shortages, including computer chips. In 2023, the average vehicle age rose by three months.

Despite this, the average new-vehicle selling price in the U.S. was just over $45,000 last month, making new cars unaffordable for many. Although prices have dropped by more than $2,000 from their peak in December 2022, many people still cannot afford a new vehicle, according to J.D. Power.

Mary Aguirre, who has driven her Toyota Camry for 15 years and racked up over 300,000 miles, says,

No way can I afford a new or used car payment. That would be almost $800 a month. I would rather take ride share, Uber or Lyft to give my car a break sometimes. I am not buying a new car.

Todd Campau, aftermarket leader for S&P Global Mobility, said, “It’s prohibitively high for a lot of households now. So I think consumers are being painted into the corner of having to keep the vehicle on the road longer.”

Other factors influencing this trend include the decision to buy an electric vehicle, a gas-electric hybrid, or a gasoline vehicle. Many people are concerned about the availability of charging networks and the possibility of running out of battery power. Additionally, vehicles are being built better and lasting longer.

New vehicle sales in the U.S. are beginning to approach pre-pandemic levels, with prices and interest rates being the major factors rather than illness and supply-chain issues. Campau expects sales to reach around 16 million this year, up from 15.6 million last year and 13.9 million in 2022.

As more new vehicles are sold, replacing aging ones in the nation’s fleet of 286 million passenger vehicles, the average vehicle age is expected to stabilize, according to Campau. He also noted that more lower-cost vehicles are being sold now, which will likely reduce the average price.

The trend of keeping vehicles longer benefits local auto repair shops. About 70% of vehicles on the road are six or more years old, beyond their manufacturer warranties. Those who manage to keep their cars for many years usually adhere to regular oil changes and follow manufacturer maintenance schedules, Campau added.

Toyota to End $835 Million Sponsorship Deal with IOC After Paris Olympics

Observer Staff

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2024-05-28

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Toyota to End $835 Million Sponsorship Deal with IOC After Paris Olympics

Toyota is reportedly ending its major sponsorship deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after this year’s Paris Olympics. The Japanese vehicle manufacturer has had a contract in place through the 2024 Paris Games, a deal valued at $835 million when it was announced in 2015. This sponsorship covered four Olympic events, beginning with the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Games in South Korea and concluding with Paris 2024.

This agreement is widely considered to be the largest sponsorship deal in the IOC’s history.

According to Japanese news agency Kyodo, which cited “sources close to the matter,” Toyota is dissatisfied with how the IOC has utilized the sponsorship funds. The sources claimed that the money was “not used effectively to support athletes and promote sports.”

When contacted by the Associated Press, Toyota declined to comment, citing the privacy of financial details.

During the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, Toyota pulled its Olympic advertising in Japan. The company stated that this decision was in response to strong public sentiment against holding the Olympics and the IOC’s insistence on proceeding with the event.

The IOC did not provide any comments on these reports when approached by the Associated Press.

SAISD 2024 Graduation Schedule, Congrats Grads!

Cover Story

Observer Staff

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2024-05-22

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SAISD 2024 Graduation Schedule, Congrats Grads!

The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) is gearing up for another exciting and memorable season of graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2024. Spanning from May 31 to June 8, 2024, these ceremonies will mark a significant milestone for students across 18 schools within the district. As families, friends, and educators get ready for graduation season, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid traffic and crowded areas. Below is the list of schools, locations, and times for the events to help you make the necessary arrangements. SAISD also ensured that those who cannot attend in person can still share in the joy via livestream of each ceremony on SAISD website at SAISD.net.

In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of this year’s graduates, SAISD has announced an exciting new initiative in partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Earlier this year, UTSA and SAISD unveiled a new pathway designed to provide high-achieving students from SAISD high schools with direct admission to UTSA as early as their junior year. This aims to streamline the transition to higher education for talented students, opening doors to advanced opportunities earlier in their academic careers.

Moreover, graduating seniors from SAISD have not been left out of these exciting opportunities. Many of these graduates who matriculate to UTSA will be eligible for the UTSA Bold Promise program. This program is designed to support eligible Texas residents from families with annual household incomes of $70,000 or less by covering 100% of UTSA’s tuition and mandatory fees.

The Bold Promise program plays a crucial role in removing financial barriers that often hinder students from pursuing and obtaining a college degree. By providing comprehensive financial aid, the program ensures that more students can focus on their studies and achieve their academic and career goals without the burden of significant tuition costs. This is extremely beneficial and more than deserving for the students of SAISD, as 75% percent of SAISD’s students come from families that are economically disadvantaged

With the recent turmoil SAISD has faced, the SAISD and UTSA partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to education, focusing on accessibility and support for all students and revitalizing SAISD. As the Class of 2024 prepares to take their next steps, these initiatives highlight the district’s commitment to fostering success and opportunity beyond high school.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2024, we also look forward to the bright futures that lie ahead for all SAISD students. Congratulations once again to all graduates, and best wishes as you embark on the next chapter of your lives!

Graduation Schedule for SAISD Class of 2024:

Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Friday, May 31 at 10am, Alamo Convocation Center
CAST Med High School, Friday, May 31 @ 1pm, Alamo Convocation Center
Adult & Community Education, Friday, May 31 at 4pm, Alamo Convocation Center
Cooper Academy, Friday, May 31 at 7pm Alamo Convocation Center
Fox Tech High School, Saturday, June 1 at 10am, Alamo Convocation Center
Travis Early College High School, Saturday, June 1 at 1pm, Alamo Convocation Center
CAST Tech High School, Saturday, June 1 at 4pm, Alamo Convocation Center
Healy-Murphy Center, Saturday, June 1 at 7pm, Alamo Convocation Center
Advanced Learning Academy, Sunday, June 2 at 10am, Alamo Convocation Center
St. Philip’s Early College High School, Sunday, June 2 at 1pm, Alamo Convocation Center
Young Men’s Leadership Academy, Sunday, June 2 at 4pm, Alamo Convocation Center
Brackenridge High School, Tuesday, June 4 at 8pm, Alamo Stadium
Lanier High School, Wednesday, June 5 at 2pm, Freeman Coliseum
Burbank High School, Wednesday, June 5 at 7pm, Freeman Coliseum
Edison High School, Thursday, June 6 at 2pm, Freeman Coliseum
Jefferson High School, Thursday, June 6 at 7pm, Freeman Coliseum
Sam Houston High School, Friday, June 7 at 8pm, Alamo Stadium
Highlands High School, Saturday, June 8 at 8pm, Alamo Stadium

2024 Ruth Jones McClendon Trailblazer Award: Bro. Scott Earle

Community

Observer Staff

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2024-05-21

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2024 Ruth Jones McClendon Trailblazer Award: Bro. Scott Earle

San Antonio Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Honors Psi Alpha Chapter Brother Scott Earle with the 2024 Ruth Jones McClendon Trailblazer Award

Brother Scott Earle, a 2002 initiate of Psi Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, was honored as the recipient of the 2024 Ruth Jones McClendon Trailblazer Award by the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Brother Earle stated,

“Thank you to the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for honoring me as the recipient of the 2024 Ruth Jones McClendon Trailblazer Award! Giving to the community has been a part of who I am and to be recognized for using my god given talents is a blessing.”

Earle continued, “The late State Representative Ruth Jones McClendon empowered many in our City and State and she assisted me many times with service projects and it’s an honor to receive an award in her name. I am hopeful that State Representative McClendon is smiling down from Heaven knowing that her legacy of leadership and service continues.”

Native Houstonian Ruth Jones McClendon, alumnus of Texas Southern University, earned her Master of Arts degree from Webster University and held several honorary doctorate degrees. She campaigned for her mentor the Honorable Barbara Jordan and continued by working with disadvantaged youth as a juvenile probation officer in San Antonio. In 1993, McClendon was elected to the San Antonio City Council representing District 2.

McClendon served in District 2 until 1996 when she was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from District 120. In the August body, she chaired the House Committee on Rules and Resolutions, was an active member of several key committees, and was passionately committed to legislation addressing important social issues. After almost 20 years in the state legislature, McClendon retired in 2016 and passed in December of 2017. Her legacy continues to be a part of the community, city and beyond.

Article by: Jeremy Neal

“Soldier” Replaced “Darky” in Yellow Rose of Lies

Black History

Mario Salas

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2024-05-21

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“Soldier” Replaced “Darky” in Yellow Rose of Lies

Yellow Rose Lies

The song called the “Yellow Rose of Texas” was written by racists and changed over the years. The lyrics were changed over time as the word “Soldier” replaced “darky.” And the first line of the chorus was also changed to read, “She’s the sweetest little flower….” For generations, the Yellow Rose of Texas has been one of America’s most popular myths, connected to Texas and San Antonio, ballooning over time and doing little to resemble the truth of what happened on April 21, 1836, at the battle of San Jacinto, where a new Texas Republic won its independence and created a slave republic. The woman who has been traditionally connected to the story was an ordinary remarkable free black woman from the North, Emily D. West who never had a sexual relationship with Santa Anna. This was a total racist lie.

When you live in Texas seething with accepted racism, invented stories appear to supply the idea of racial superiority. Racial myth even has tourist value. In San Antonio, this has even taken the form of naming a hotel after Emily Morgan (West), an idea that reinforces the other myth—that of the Alamo, for the hotel is directly across the street. Racial myth and racist history remains an almost permanent structure of thought that is transmitted from one generation to the next, carried like a mental Trojan horse, hibernating, embedded in the minds of millions, and hidden in bedtime stories and old grandpa mythical tales that are highly infectious. The ignorant Alamo historians run around telling stories that old racist liars told them.

After the Battle of the Alamo, which was little more than a small skirmish, with the Alamo defenders being killed within 30 minutes (of those that did not run), thousands of Anglos began running in what became known as the “runaway scrape.” Anglo settlers picked up everything they owned and headed toward Louisiana. It was here that Emily West (Morgan), from the New Washington Hotel in then Mexico (now Texas) saw the running white settlers as Santa Anna’s army was in pursuit. Emily West would have known that Blacks were being freed everywhere Santa Anna went to drive slave owners out. The Yellow Rose of Texas song was actually a slave song brought from Louisiana with these words: “There’s a yellow rose in Texas, that I am going to see, No other darky [sic] knows her, no darky only me She cryed [sic] so when I left her it like to broke my heart, And if I ever find her, we nevermore will part. She’s the sweetest rose of color this darky ever knew, Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew; You may talk about your Dearest May, and sing of Rosa Lee, But the Yellow Rose of Texas beats the belles of Tennessee.”

The earliest known version of the song is found in Christy’s Plantation Melodies, a songbook published in Philadelphia in 1853. Christy was the founder of the racist blackface minstrel show known as the Christy’s Minstrels. These racist actors presented Black stereotypes and like most minstrel songs, the lyrics are written in a cross between the dialect historically spoken by African-Americans and standard American English. The song is written from the perspective of an African-American singer who refers to himself in racist terminology as a “darkey,” longing to return to “a yellow girl,” a term used to describe a light-skinned mulatto woman. The song had nothing to do with Emily West, but this was the type of racist buffoonery that ruled Texas.

Environmental Racism Fought and Won by San Antonio Neighborhood- Chicago Mayor Currently Fighting the Same Issues

Environment

Observer Staff

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2024-05-21

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Environmental Racism Fought and Won by San Antonio Neighborhood- Chicago Mayor Currently Fighting the Same Issues

Environmental Racism: A Tale of Two Cities Amongst Thousands, How a San Antonio Community Neighborhood Removed Pollution From Their Minority Neighborhood

Environmental racism isn’t just a phrase—it’s a profound injustice playing out across America’s cities, prominently showcased in all communities of color. In Chicago, new mayor Brandon Johnson faces a daunting legacy of pollution and inequity. His campaign was marked by personal narratives of suffering asthma due to industrial toxins in his youth. This mirrors the broader struggle in Chicago, where communities of color bear the brunt of environmental hazards, leading to significant disparities in life expectancy—up to 30 years compared to wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods.

However, the challenge isn’t unique to Chicago. In San Antonio, similar stories unfold in the Eastside neighborhood of Willowwood Estates, a community predominantly Black and Hispanic.

Recently, residents of Willowwood fought a determined battle against the city’s decision to host United Site Services, a port-a-potty business seen as yet another environmental burden imposed on a marginalized community. Despite their victory in shutting down operations, the struggle underscored a recurring theme: communities of color often serve as unwilling hosts for environmentally hazardous businesses.

This pattern of using minority neighborhoods as dumping grounds or sites for harmful industries is a stark illustration of environmental racism. It’s not just about unwanted businesses; it’s about the systemic disregard for the health and well-being of these communities. The long-term exposure to pollutants not only shortens life spans but also lowers the quality of life, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and health disparities.

The narrative of Willowwood resonates with thousands of communities nationwide. Both cities reflect a national crisis where industrial and waste-related enterprises are disproportionately placed in minority neighborhoods, leveraging the lack of resources or political clout to resist such placements.

As Chicago’s mayor sets out to right these wrongs, the story of Willowwood serves as both a caution and a beacon of hope. It shows that community resistance can prevail, yet it also highlights the need for vigilant, sustained advocacy to protect these neighborhoods.

Our communities deserve more than empty promises—they need concrete actions that halt the cycle of placing hazardous enterprises in their backyards. The fight against environmental racism must be relentless and unyielding, ensuring every community, irrespective of color, has the right to a clean and safe environment.

If you or anyone you know is living in a residential area in the San Antonio city limits with an industrial company that you believe is polluting the are around where you live your life, email us at contact@saobserver.com.