This is the third essay in a series from readers/supporters on why you should join the Scene Press Club.
The power of local media is critical to a functioning democracy. When local journalism declines, so does radical transparency and empathy, as well as equitable civic engagement. To some, being “on the scene” means being front and center. For others, being “on the scene” means bringing attention and awareness to the people and stories that deserve it. Fortunately for Greater Cleveland, the Scene Magazine has us covered on both fronts.
The extreme erosion of local journalism and media is a threat to our democracy that should not be taken lightly. While society may have more access to news and information due to the expansion of our digitized society, we cannot forgo the need for the local context and perspective. The absence of local media can result in serious repercussions for the social fabric and intellectual health of our community. This is particularly alarming for the Cleveland VOTES team. Cleveland VOTES is a nonpartisan democracy building and mobilization entity that aims to strengthen civic muscle and power to ensure we have a more informed, participatory, and cohesive community. We pride ourselves in elevating and amplifying equitable civic engagement which aims to educate, connect, and empower the members of our community.
As stated in the report Building Civic Capacity in an Era of Democratic Crisis, ‘civic engagement must be understood as a constant, sustained practice that outlives election cycles and stretches beyond voting or formal channels for citizen input’. This practice must be constantly cultivated and nurtured. Every day we are confronted with practices and policies that stand to compromise or jeopardize the viability of ourselves or our community. To affect change, we must be informed so we know how to exercise our power. One critical tenant to this process necessitates that we have consistent, credible, and representative local journalism.
Educating, connecting and empowering our collective communities across Northeast Ohio is a huge step towards equitable civic engagement that we, Cleveland VOTES, believe needs to be taken seriously by ourselves as democracy-builders. The Scene is a constant reminder that our governance is an instrument and tool of the people’s voice and representation. The Scene is an integral piece in developing the cohesive understanding of where we, the people, can stand together with a resounding voice in unison.
If you want political commentary, it is in the Scene. If you want a culinary opinion on the latest local eatery, it is in the Scene. If you want to know how health care discrepancies disproportionately affect people of color in Cleveland, it is in the Scene. If you want to learn how local community activists are creating change in their neighborhoods, it is in the Scene. But most importantly, if you wish to hear the voices of those who are affected and to read the stories of those who cause and effect change in Northeast Ohio, then you have to continue to support the Cleveland Scene Magazine.
In peace, power+ equity,
Erika Anthony, Crystal Bryant, Devonta Dickey + Jennifer Lumpkin
To learn more, please email us at: info@clevotes.com.
Click here to support the Cleveland Press Club with a one-time or monthly donation.
This article appears in May 20-26, 2020.
How about articles encouraging voters to VOTE NO on ALL of these property tax renewals AND increases that are on the ballot at every single election cycle by our thieving politicians???
To the random comment About diets…you do realize that food deserts exist. Limited food options often prevent POC from accessing healthy food options in their communities. You expect people to travel to Shaker Square for a whole foods and Heinens and pay for overpriced organic options that last 2 weeks tops. Please educate yourself before making general statements like that.
@the diet guy,,ever wonder why ” food deserts” exist in some hoods??
Maybe the proprietor’s got tired of being robbed, assaulted, and or killed.
Now most in the communities DON’T do this but suffer the consequences, they also dont know nothing, don’t see nothing, and if there not harmed dont care. Listen to the Cleveland police scanner,, what an eye opener on how some act. Crazy business indeed.
I will put this as clearly and as succintly as possible:
Get the fuck out of here, you fascist, racist asshole.
Bananas? Peanuts? Spit it out and just call me a mucking fonkey.
Come to my house…you won’t get off my porch alive, motherfucker.
Thank you for your service, SCENE janitors.
And if you happen to be female, thank you for your cervix.
Come on to my house…you will get something ou don’t want or like.
Nice pipe dream about the military, asshole…that’s not why the National Guard has been activated, despite your fantasies and your over active imagination.
Could you possibly spare me a few pipes of what you’re smoking? Sounds pretty fucking hallucinatory, and I could use some of that, seeing as how I have not left the house more than a handful of times in eleven weeks, except for a few hikes in various parks.
Be honest for once in your pathetic life: You don’t have the balls to come near my house…not because I’m infected, but because you’re a gutless punk, an Army of One, a legend in your own overheated mind. And mainly because you know I would splatter your blood all over my front steps if you even came up the walk.
I have one rule since this pandemic started…anybody approaches my house and I don’t know them…they’d better have a gun and a badge and ID and a warrant or some other legal document. And even then, they’d better identify themselves quickly.
The time for games is over pal. Before you have a chance to get me, I will get you first. Not a threat. It’s a promise. I am tired of your antics and I will find you. Count on it.
Looks like someone’s already taken the Gates Vaccine.
No worries, mofo, they will. Until you either get a new hobby or your fingers get broken.
“Sam and Vince will bury you…”
You ran home crying to mommy and daddy as a kid huh?
And it looks like not much has changed
That doesn’t look like a diverse group.
We should protest?
My parents are long dead, asshole. Would you like to meet them?
So you keep putting it back up? BFD. You need a new hobby, you POS.
The comments here took a violent turn in a hurry. I did literally laugh out loud though, which is just another reason why I love the comments section here.