In a letter, Michael McKenzie,
the CEO of Einstein Charter Schools, invites his readers to support the upcoming
Equity Walk on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., which will depart from
Sarah T. Reed High School and arrive at the old Six Flags Park in New Orleans
East. The Equity Walk is meant to foster
equity and justice for black communities and communities of color by raising
awareness and advocating for the transformation of the dilapidated Six Flags in
the East of New Orleans, into biking, walking, and running trails and an
arboretum. In addition to the walk, donations and contributions are welcome through
CashApp to $GiveEinstein, and Mr. McKenzie also encourages his readers to sign
a petition, supporting the proposed renovation, at www.change.org/TransformOldNewOrleansSixFlagsNow.
In New Orleans East, the majority
of residents come from African American, Vietnamese, or Latino backgrounds, and
the deteriorated state of the abandoned park highlights disparities in equity
and accessibility.
In his letter, Michael McKenzie expressed
the urgency to support projects like this one, saying that "no amount of
education, civility, or respectability politics" will guarantee equity or
justice to black communities. Mr. McKenzie also reflected upon the fact
that America is struggling with morality in relation to equity and justice and
called for the commitment of New Orleans citizens to this project, as it will
aid the fight for what is right and will sow the seeds of justice for future
generations in the East of New Orleans.
