SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — Local black contractors and firms claiming they’re not getting their fair share of opportunities to work for the city of South Bend.
Black Lives Matter South Bend held a news conference on this issue today.
The source of their displeasure comes from what they feel is a lack of proper representation and support for black firms and contractors.
Representatives of Black Lives Matter South Bend took to Zoom to express what they say is a lack of inclusion from the city.
Their goal: to make sure black firms and contractors get an equal opportunity.
“We want transparency, we want to be able to engage with the city’s program, the business suites as it is, or speed cushions installations, we want transparency, we want to be able to effectively bid on contracts and secure those contracts as well,” said Katheryn Redding, organizer with BLM.
Part of their frustration comes from the dismissal of former city employee Antonius Northern.
He was the Assistant Director of Business Development.
“No explanation has been given as to why he was terminated, we don’t know what the status of the program is, in terms of the street cushion program, so there needs to be a conversation had with these contractors so they can understand what’s happening because these are public dollars that are being used to support these programs,” said Jordan Giger, BLM South Bend representative.
A city spokesperson tells WSBT 22 they don’t comment on personnel matters but did issue this statement:
“The city team is reviewing programs that assist local small businesses to ensure they are effective and continue in accordance with state procurement laws and the constitution of the United States. We look forward to building on our innovative effort toward equity and seeing more local small businesses thrive.”
“The city should hold pre bid conferences that give disadvantaged contractors in the room with prime or majority contractors so that if they can’t work as prime contractors for these jobs, they can at least put themselves in a better position to be able to work as sub-contractors with these larger firms,” said Giger.
The statement from the city also says they are committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity so that everyone can thrive.