“OUR RICH BLACK HERITAGE” - JOHN WESLEY CROMWELL

 Known for his natural ability for creating intellectual organisations and his knowledge of Negro History, John Wesley Cromwell was a  teacher, journalist lawyer, teacher, and civil rights activist. He was born on September 5,1846. Several of his other list of accolades included being one of founders of The Bethel Literary & Historical Society and The American Negro Academy( in Washington D.C.). Being a man in demand, he was also founder, editor, or contributor to a number of newspapers and journals{ including most prominently, “The People’s Advocate.” } Later in his life, John Wesley Cromwell was a strong advocate of black-owned businesses and encouraged black economic success. Additionally, He thought that Blacks should stick together and support Black businesses. He wrote a interesting book in 1914 titled,”The Negro in American History: Men and Women Eminent in the Evolution of the American of African Descent.” His book influenced Carter G Woodson to create The Association for the Study  of Negro Life and History in 1915. John Wesley Cromwell died  on April 14, 1927[ in Washington D.C. ]. Lately, In Monroe, Louisiana there has been much talk and discussion concerning economic development. While Mayor Oliver Ellis has been fervently pushing the Northside’s plan for economic development, The Southside Economic Development District (S.E.D.D.) has come up with a 25 year plan for the economic development of the “SOUTHSIDE” of Monroe. Somehow, Mayor Ellis keeps failing to understand that the Black citizens of Monroe would like see improvements on their side of town too( not just downtown)! As a matter of fact, not only doesn’t Mayor Ellis get it,  the Black members of the Monroe City Council don’t seem to get it either! Recently, the mayor and the city council  completely ignored the recommendations from citizens of Monroe to delay the vote and approval of giving city funds to State Representative Mike Echols private company. In closing, I would hope that the Black Leaders in Monroe, Louisiana would begin working on uniting and organizing the Black citizens of Monroe, so we can get Mayor Ellis and The Monroe City Council to embrace and fully support “THE SOUTHSIDE DREAM,”like they are embracing and supporting “The Downtown Dream!”