BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Oscar Butler is a Tampa resident who was born and raised in East Tampa. Throughout his life, he has observed the area under various changes and has never been afraid to voice his opinion.

When Butler read an article in last week’s Sentinel about two schools becoming same sex academies, it caught his attention. “I had to say something about this. I’m 73 years old and I’m concerned about what happens in my neighborhood. My neighborhood is all I have left and my grandchildren.”

Butler said he questions why the same sex schools are going to be implemented in the Black community instead of in New Tampa.  “It’s almost like segregation. It looks like they are training the boys for prison.”

[private]The father of four and grandfather of four, Butler said he doesn’t say anything when something happens that just affects him. However, he feels that this decision will affect thousands in the future.

He feels it is important for young Black males to interact with young females. They need to learn how to treat young ladies instead of calling them garden tools and female dogs.”

Butler, who has lived in his home for the past 47 years, said he doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind. “I walk through this neighborhood everyday for exercise. If I see the trash cans overflowing or the grass needing to be cut, I pick up the phone and call. Other people who are my age see things and will talk about them among themselves. But, they are afraid to say something.

“I can’t see things that need to be addressed and not say anything. I won’t be intimidated and I won’t be a victim, either.” [/private]