Justice is a spiritual character trait, because justice is of God. The prophet Amos said it best: “But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24). And, we all know that: “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalms 7: 11). “Power-brokers God will judge you; therefore don’t let God become angry with you”, because above all: “The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.” (Proverbs 14: 11).
Since 1619, Blacks have not received socio-spiritual justice; especially economic justice that is a fair share of the preverbal economic pie. No more, and forevermore, “justice” demands that we receive our fair share of the economic-pie.
In an effort to ensure this socio-spiritual reality the NAACP’s economic development committee chaired by community activist, Allan J. Provost, has launched a legal investigation into the West Harris County Water Project as it relates to the awarding of contracts to “qualified” Black contractors. Additionally, the NAACP’s legal department is spearheading a legal inquiry into the awarding of contracts to Black contractors: The projected cost of the Lake Houston Water Project is $680 million dollars.
We all know that any business project that is funded with tax dollars (State or Federal) require Black contractor participation, and if this is not the case, an investigation must be initiated. We prayerfully hope after speaking with Allan J. Provost, NAACP Committee Chair, that this is not the case with the Lake Houston Water Project. Presently, the president of the local chapter of the NAACP is attorney James Douglas.
The Lake Houston Water Project is funded by public taxpayer funds (State and Federal), and therefore, simply because the “majority-community” create the jobs, this is no license for excluding the Black community from having jobs. And, of course, Black contractors who benefit financially from these contracts are morally obligated to invest and reinvest in the “Black experience”. (In case you have forgotten what the Black experience is; it is being on the outside looking in).
The NAACP is publicly requesting that all civic organizations, churches, pastoral leaders, local businesses, community leaders and political leaders support this effort. Initially, State Representative, Senfronia Thompson, has been in the forefront leading the public inquiry. And, of course, if any citizen is not a member of the NAACP, please become a member, quick and in a hurry.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6: 12).
The water supply-source is Lake Houston, and the pipe line is approximately thirty-nine miles. The Black community, as well as, other communities will invariably be disrupted by the construction of the pipeline. Funding and management of the construction for the Lake Houston water project is supervised by the West Harris County Regional Water Authority and the North Fort Bend County Water Authority.
We will periodically seek to keep the Black community informed concerning progress toward Black contractual inclusion associated with the Lake Houston Water Project by sharing it with the Forward Times Newspaper. In conclusion, “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honour is humility.” (Proverbs 18:12). To be sure, we are praying for a just and fair resolution to Black contractor participation in the Lake Houston Water Project.
In conclusion, let it emphatically be said: The Forward Times Newspaper is an excellent “community-based” information resource (asset). Therefore, if you are not on board, get on board “today” by subscribing to the Forward Times on an annual basis or on a two-year subscription basis. For after all, economic development in the Black community begins and ends with Blacks supporting Black owned businesses. Selah!