Dear Editor:
This saddens me for many different reasons. The conditions that have allowed this kind tragedy to become all to commonplace in our society are the result of the breakdown in many areas, both nationally and regionally.
There was a time when “The Phase“ as it was affectionately known, was synonymous with class, good times, prosperity, THE place to be for the Black Pittsburgh community. We were host to politicians, entertainers, sports figures, and, yes, even a few Pittsburgh Courier journalists as well as neighborhood residents from across the city. We were concerned with, apart of, and contributors to the community.
In the 40+ years that my Father (Robert Harold “Bobby” Ficklin) owned and devoted his life to The Rendezvous, I can remember only one incident where there was even a need for law enforcement to become involved. Yet, in the mere nine years since his “retirement” and seven years since his passing I’ve seen his dream deteriorate from a beautiful meeting place to….this.
While I fully understand the need for the media to present a particular story, I do NOT understand the labeling of the Rendezvous as having a “history of violence“ based on just the past few years, completely ignoring the 40 year history of positive community involvement and the stellar reputation as a top quality gathering place for the Black community, as your paper has reported, not only at the time of my father’s passing (Nov. 27, 2007) but on numerous occasions in the past.
There are so many conditions that have contributed to the actions of, not just this particular incident, but to these types of actions by our young people all over this country. From the dismantling of community services, the lack of economic opportunities, the morals and mindset that is displayed and presented to our youth has, in my humble opinion, caused our children in particular to become less caring, less respectful, and less responsible than at any other time in our history. Our children have no regard for life….not theirs or others.
Here is a young man, typical of far too many of our young folks, so jaded, so angry, so frustrated, and probably feeling so hopeless that his ability to empathize with others has been completed eroded.
But I digress. My point is, in your reporting, please don’t forget to report the TRUE history of The Rendezvous Phase II, not just what is sensational at the moment.
Victoria Ficklin
Las Vegas, Nevada
See related commentary:
Just Sayin’…Should the Rendevous Phase III be shut down?
https://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/2015/02/25/just-sayin-should-the-rendevous-phase-iii-be-shut-down/
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