A FORUM FOR COMMUNITY ISSUES : Sermons / ADVICE FROM THE CLERGY : On Forsaking the Poor

Many of you have noticed the shift in the makeup of South-Central L.A. Five years ago, it was 90% black; now it is 50% Latino and 50% black. The Times recently chronicled the flight of blacks to the suburbs, mostly to the Inland Empire. Housing values have been a big part of that flight but so have crime, bad schools and police harassment. To save their children and to enjoy an improved quality of life, a lot of these families have committed themselves to four-hour daily commutes, less family time and more stress. Those fleeing are primarily middle class and working poor who go because they can. The rest are left with fewer leaders and role models.

The riots were the last straw for some, but for others they signal a time of hope. Slowly, the powers that be are being forced to listen to the grievances of the community. The City Council now requires hearings before liquor stores can be rebuilt. Supermarket chains which had all but abandoned South-Central, are beginning to make commitments to come back. But nobody thinks South-Central can come back, let alone turn around, if potential leadership and community workers and role models leave.

The Scripture says there is no redemption without the shedding of blood. What that means is that no situation can be redeemed, improved or turned around unless some who do not have to take up the cross that others are forced to carry. It is that choice that makes all the difference.