The student newspaper of Mt. Lebanon High School, The Devil’s Advocate, published their latest issue on October 30th with an article written by Sam Harris titled “Lebo Fights Racism and Inequity” featuring an interview with M.O.R.E Steering Committee Member, Stephanie Edmond-Myers.
The newspaper purposefully does not have an online edition at this time, but you can read the full article below.
The Devil’s Advocate | Friday, October 30, 2020 | @The_LeboDA | Page 3
Lebo Fights Racism and Inequity
Mt. Lebanon Organization for Racial Equality (M.O.R.E.) takes shape
Sam Harris, News Writer for The Devil’s Advocate
Urban Dictionary defines Mt. Lebanon as a “community featuring a mass of preppy kids going to school separated from the real world” for good reason. The isolated township is mostly upper-middle class and over 93% white according to census data. The overwhelming white population of Mt. Lebanon is no accident. Mt Lebanon has a long history of intentionally barring non white residents from moving in. The most famous example of this happening in 1971 when discrimination from white residents ultimately prevented Black heavyweight champion and activist Muhhamad All from purchasing a home in Virginia Manor.
This ugly racial history that still affects the demographic data of Mt. Lebanon today along with a renewed focus on systemic racism after the death of George Floyd is what led Mt. Lebanon residents Al Monroe and John Donoghue to found The Mt. Lebanon Organization for Racial Equality (M.O.R.E.) in June of this year. Overall, M.O.R.E. commits to a mission of pursuing racial equality in Mt. Lebanon through two committees; anti-racism education and justice reform.
The first main pillar of M.O.R.E. is the Education Committee. This committee addresses the often uncomfortable topic of talking and learning about racism in society. It is dedicated to developing an effective education based on current social justice legislation and the priniciples of anti-racism. M.O.R.E. Steering Committee member Stephanie Edmond-Myers spoke about how the Education Committee operates in conveying information and the importance of that information.
“[Education] could be anywhere from webinars, social justice watch parties, book studies, discussion groups and forums,” Edmond-Myers said. “The possibilities are endless and the time is ripe because people are hungry for this information. They want to know hwo to help, to grow, to get involved. Awareness and education are crucial to becoming an effective ally.
In the wake of the tragedies of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, there has been renewed interest in making suburban communities like Mt. Lebanon more racially equitable. Mt. Lebanon for Racial Equality (M.O.R.E. for short) was founded in the wake of this interest.
The other committee within M.O.R.E. is the Justice Committee. Focusing more on advocating and talking to community leaders including state representatives Dan Miller and Jordan Harris, the Justice Committee aims to implement reforms based on solid research that promote transparency In policy making, implementation and outcomes. In regards to policing, the Justice Committee has had very productive conversations with Mt. Lebanon Police Chief Aaron Lauth to increase transparency within the department. Edmond-Myers explained why residents’ voices are so crucial to be heard when formulating policing standards.
“According to The President’s Task Force on 21 Century Policing, community involvement in the major aspects of policy leads to more buy-in from the public,” Edmond-Myers said. “Citizens are more apt to see policy as fair and authority as legitimate when they have a hand in its development and implementation. This is just common sense: anyone who has a hand in building something will appreciate it more, nurture it more, support it more.”
Anyone who signs up on M.O.R.E.’s website is automatically subscribed to the organization’s newsletter, complete with links to articles, local actions and committee meeting invites and updates. For M.O.R.E., connecting with young people is key. Edmond-Myers highlighted the role the next generation will need to play.
“We are very pleased to see young people getting involved in anti-racism education,” Edmond-Myers said. “We want to lift up their voices. We encourage young people to join M.O.R.E. Social justice work is ultimately for them, you see. They are developing the tools to be the architects of their own futures. I love to see it.”
For people skeptical of M.O.R.E.’s overall goals, especially with policing, Edmond-Myers delivered one final message.
“When some people hear police reform they think, ‘Oh they are just trying to bash the police,'” Edmond-Myers said. “Far from it. We hope to have a collaborative relationship with our police department. At a recent forum on police reform, [Police] Chief Lauth agreed that there is always room for improvement in the department. That is why M.O.R.E. exists. A future initiative will be to coordinate with the police department to help diversify our police force so that the department more accurately reflects the changing demographics of our community. We all have families and loved ones. In the end, we want to make sure EVERYONE feels safe, is valued, and returns home at the end of the day.”
