P O S I T I O N S T A T E M E N T
October 18, 2021
Louisville Urban League’s Statement on WEOP Board Resignations
Both my colleague, Christina Shadle, and I, resigned from the West End Opportunity Partnership board last Saturday.
It is imperative that the WEOP Board take the time to understand the potential unintended consequences with this initiative and to center the real concerns of residents, especially renters, in this planning. We must keep in mind that there is no model we can point to around the country where Black and Brown communities have been invested in and residents have not been displaced. There are many people on this Board who are aware of these realities and sincere in their desire to work to create something new and genuinely meaningful for west end residents. We urge interim Chair, Council President James, to lead this Partnership in a way that is responsive to residents – giving residents time to speak, and moreover, hearing what they have to say and substantively incorporating their feedback into the planning and proceedings.
The fundamental concern for each of us and the Louisville Urban League continues to be around support and protections for residents of the west end, more than 75% of whom are renters. For those reasons, the League cannot be disconnected from the conversation.
We urge Governor Beshear to appoint Celine Mutuyemariya as the Urban League representative. Celine currently serves on the board of the Metropolitan Housing Coalition and serves as a policy advisor on eviction prevention, houselessness, and housing policy to the Louisville Urban League. She has served this community as a Certified Community Health Worker at Shawnee Christian Healthcare center and is a licensed counselor. We believe her talent, time, and training will be a productive addition to the board.
Thank you.
Sadiqa N. Reynolds, Esq.
President and CEO
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Lyndon Pryor
Chief Engagement Officer
[email protected] | (502) 512-3681
About the Louisville Urban League
The Louisville Urban League assists African Americans and those at the margins in attaining social and economic equality and stability through direct services and advocacy. For more information, go to lul.org or follow us on Facebook , Twitter (@louisvilleUL), or Instagram (@louisville_ul).
