The Wichita Branch NAACP has launched a “broken windows campaign” based on the “broken windows theory”. That theory states that when you have a broken window in a community, if it is ignored and isn’t fixed, it can lead to the gradual deterioration of that neighborhood. Because when people see that broken window and see that it doesn’t get repaired, they may then think that no one cares about that area, so then it becomes ok to throw your trash there. And when others see trash and broken windows, they may feel its ok to loiter or do other things there. And gradually the neglect of that initial broken window begins to grow spread through the immediate area.
The immediacy of the problem is both disguised and compounded by the fact that over time, we can become completely acclimated to an environment of neglect. We learn to see past the vacant lots, the uneven pavement, the boarded-up houses, the high prices, the police sweeps, the trash on the street, and the decrepit condition and terrible service provided by so many of the stores and shops that service us.
The impact of that theory is far-reaching because we as a people pay a price for every indignity that we willingly suffer. And the price we pay is the lowering of our children’s expectations. So it is perhaps our acceptance of this environment and our organization’s failure to speak to it that contributes to the spread of neglect and decay.
We can all agree that our community has suffered neglect; both from the outside and some from within. So perhaps the solution, or at least the strategy, should be to go back and fix those “broken windows”. In this respect, efforts to “Stop Blight” are right on point, but we must go further, there are roles for all of us to play in this.
The physical condition of our community must become a priority. Our community organizations must come to the table together on this. While each Organization has its own charter and its own role and responsibilities; if we partner up and work towards the rebuilding of our neighborhoods in whatever way we can each contribute, we can make a significant and tangible difference. It’s time to stop talking about unity and unify.
From our end, we’ll take on the issues of poor service and poor conditions in area shops and businesses. We in the Wichita Branch NAACP will begin with dealing directly with those businesses and shops in our community who offer us filthy conditions, high prices, and poor service. And we will do so IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE. As a community, we deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect as any other resident of this city, and no business in our community should degrade us with an offer of anything less. Gas Stations and Mini Marts who make their profits by catering to our addictions with cheap wines and blunt papers will be called out by name. Shops and stores that sell products at one price in our community but at different prices in other communities will see their business practices challenged publicly and directly. And we will deal with these businesses one at a time.