L.A. Parker
Education, Mack!
Weeks prior to Mayor Tony Mack taking office in July 2010, I pulled the city’s new leader aside during what would become a moment straight out of “The Graduate” movie.
“I’ve got one word for you Tony — Education.”
“Where ever you go to speak on any matter, you always have to leave room for a five-minute discussion on education.”
Mack received specific advice right down to these lines.
“I know that you asked me here to talk about small business, revitalization, city services, (etc.), but I always reserve five minutes to speak about the most important aspect regarding restoration of Trenton — Education.”
Mack responded with his typical assurance, saying “I hear you L.,” dropping the ‘A’ as if we were best buds.
Mack strayed from positive ad- vice, almost as if he could not implement a worthwhile suggestion because it did not originate from his mental workshop.
Perhaps Mack can move on this issue now that Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has made education a top priority.
Nutter discussed education in a published report just days before beginning his second term.
“I’m personally compelled and driven to use the power, presence, and bully pulpit of the Mayor’s Office to drive a message throughout this city, that at the heart of any reform of this city, at the heart of any gains to be made by this city, at the heart of any progress for Philadelphia, education is the key. Education is economic development. Education is a poverty-reduction strategy. Education is the great equalizer in this city and our society,” Nutter said.
Allow further insight on education. Education reduces crime. Education affects murder rates. Education effectively cuts police forces. Education improves home ownership opportunity. Education trumps athletics. Education cleans up neighborhoods. Education opens doors. Education produces hope. Education offers vacations out of Trenton. Education halts HIVAIDS. Education improves society. Education abates unwanted pregnancies without need for abortion. Education frees people from domestic violence.
Nutter admitted that fighting crime remains a high priority, especially after Philadelphia recorded 320 murders in 2011. His other eye is fixated on school improvement.
While most social psychologists find it difficult to pinpoint when African Americans abandoned education as a means to fight injustice, poverty and violence, make no mistake: one of the main arteries out of Trenton’s social deterioration must be reading, writing, math or a vocational trade.
Trenton invited trouble when city officials closed four satellite libraries without any significant response from most black residents.
As usual, Caucasian residents expressed anger, understanding that education remains a critical lifeline for Trenton.
While many disagree with numerous Mack decisions on many fronts, not many can argue against a consistent positive message on education.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@trentonian.com.