Wilmington, Delaware, has become a battleground, and the timing of recent actions raises serious questions about transparency and accountability. The city officials have announced plans to auction off the Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Leadership Academy campus due to unpaid property fees. This decision comes at a particularly suspicious time, as the school’s accounts are frozen, leaving many to wonder what is really happening behind closed doors.
It is quite alarming that the city seeks to sell this property, raising concerns about community notification. The lack of communication feels like a betrayal. The leaders of this academy have dedicated over a decade to fundraise and promote their vision for an educational institution that serves African-American boys. Yet, even after years of effort, the question remains: why is the school still in such a state of disrepair and dysfunction?
This situation begs for accountability. How can it be acceptable for someone to sit on a property for over a decade without delivering any real progress or benefit to the community? The leaders of the academy have been unable to convert this campus into a functioning school, or even to utilize it for events or activities. Although there has been some community involvement, such as support to replace damaged materials following vandalism, significant progress has not been made.
It is troubling to consider that while citizens wait for meaningful action, their institutions may be slipping away without their knowledge or consent. This lack of produced outcomes by the academy raises doubts about the competency of its leaders and their capacity to follow through on their promises. The city’s desire to auction off the property makes it clear that they expect results—not just empty promises.
The citizens of Wilmington deserve better than to have their community assets sold off under the cover of darkness. Personal responsibility is paramount, and that applies not only to government officials but also to those managing community resources. The time has come for those in charge of the Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Leadership Academy to step up, or for the city to act decisively to safeguard the interests of the community. As this story unfolds, one thing is clear: accountability, transparency, and real action must be the order of the day.
