Leticia78

Scotland Neck, NC

What's Really Going On In Scotland Neck?

I am a former resident of Scotland Neck, and i was born and raised there. It has had it's share of violence, but, overall it's a pretty quiet place to live where everybody knows everyone, sort of. Like Forest78, I only visit because of my family, and i leave as quickly as possible. It IS depressing. I don't like seeing former friends, classmates, and people that i know, falling victims to drug abuse, poverty,and "the norm". On my last visit, my daughters, my brother, and myself, where caught up in the now escalating violence there. We stopped at the EP Mart to gas the car up, etc., and as a parting gift my six year old was shot in the head by shotgun pellets that were emptied into a crowded parking lot after a fleeing murder suspect. Those of us who know what happened, know that, the fleeing suspect is no stranger to criminal activity, BUT, was the use of 60 rounds (20 of which destroyed my vehicle) necessary to bring him in to custody.It is a miracle that no one was killed in that lot! I feel that the officers that day had no concern whatsoever for human life, and isn't that the first rule for officers! There were over 15 people in that parking lot, not to mention the women working in the store,(which was also destroyed by the officers bullets). I think that they only saw "those black people" in that parking lot. I don't harbor animosity in my heart because of the actions there that day. I like to think that God used that incident on that day as a way to bring about change...and changes have been made. Now we'll have to see what happens as a result of these new changes. I was pleased to see during my visit, the new additions to the community. (Subway, A Hotel, Mickey D's...that's what's up!)BUT.. Why aren't there any positive outlets for young people in Scotland Neck, like, A ymca, one movie theater, or a Boys and Girls club, Or SOMETHING positive for OUR people. For many of the impoverished youth that grow up in the Neck, living is a struggle. There aren't any "brothers and sisters" too look up too on "Greenwood and 12th Street, so they look up to "The Husters" because they look like they're living the good life! It is the streets that teach the youth how to survive because many of the households are single family units who do the best that they can until the kids eventually decide..i want to help, and i'm gonna hustle like "such and such" so that we can live good too. Previous criminal backgrounds (recieved at an early age for many) keep them from getting jobs in the area which is "locked down", so many feel that their only way of achieving is hustling. I don't feel that i'm any better than anyone who is still there..I feel blessed that i'm one of the few that have the memory of growing up in Scotland Neck to help me strive harder "out here". I often think of what life would be like if the youth had positive outlets. I'm saddened that on July 28, Scotland Neck lost 2 young black men. The good thing about Scotland Neck is that the majority of the people are good, and they deserve a good life there as well. Even though i no longer live in Scotland Neck physically, Scotland Neck lives within me, and i'm saddened by the lack of opportunities for my people there. Whenever i achieve success "out here" it's an accomplishment for Scotland Neck and all of us who made it and those who didn't. Whenever i'm asked I proudly state Scotland Neck, because it definitely made me who i am today.  (Nov 12, 2007 | post #1)