Page 16 - IAV Digital Magazine #594

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
Wealthy White Residents Win
Right To Form Own City, Split From
Poorer Black Neighborhoods
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89d2qDTXM3g
In a landmark ruling, the Louisiana Supreme Court has authorized the estab- lishment of the City of St. George, mark- ing the culmination of a contentious, decade-long debate.
The development paves the way for the secession of a por- tion of Baton Rouge’s southeast region and the inauguration of a municipality that promises enhanced educational facilities and improved safety
measures.
Critics of the separa- tion have raised con- cerns about the underlying motiva- tions and social impact of the new city’s formation.
They argue that the division may exacer- bate racial and eco- nomic disparities within the region, calling it the creation of a “White enclave” and claiming it would damage Baton Rouge’s predomi- nantly Black commu- nities and its school district.
Proponents of the new city argue that the move is essential to escape the per- ceived inefficiencies and high crime rates under the current city-parish gover- nance.
They envision a self- sufficient St.
George that champi- ons superior educa- tional institutions and safer communities.
The nascent City of St. George, with
an anticipated popu- lation of 86,000 inhabitants spanning a 60-square-mile area, is positioned to forge its path with a dedicated mayor and city council.
The movement towards incorporation began approximately 15 years ago with ini- tial aspirations cen- tering on the estab- lishment of an autonomous school district before evolv- ing into a broader ambition in 2015 to become its own city.
Despite an initial set- back, where a pro- posal failed to secure sufficient support, the persistence of propo- nents led to a suc- cessful referendum in 2019, which saw 54% of local resi- dents backing the split.
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine