SOUTH BEND -- Wilma Brothers of South Bend is hoping for more action and less talk, from both TAP and officials.

TAP, which stands for Transforming Action through Power, is a faith-based community organizing group that is working for change in South Bend.

Brothers joined state, city and school officials along with members of TAP and hundreds of others Sunday at TAP’s third annual public meeting at Little Flower Catholic Church.

“I’m here today because one voice is like crying in the wilderness,” Brothers said. “Many people are suffering out here so hopefully the many voices here today will make a loud enough noise that somebody will listen and make something happen.”

“If we are not working to make things better then we’re working to keep things the same,” said the Rev. Christopher Cox, TAP president and pastor at St. Casimir and St. Adalbert churches.

“When you have 15 churches and their members united together then we can become that critical mass that can make change happen. ”

Among issues discussed were economic development, civil rights for immigrants, education reform and African-American leadership.

State Sen. John Broden, D-District 10, South Bend Mayor Stephen Luecke, South Bend Community School Corp. board trustee Stephanie Spivey and school Superintendent James Kapsa all answered pre-planned questions posed by TAP members.

“We want help because many people in our neighborhood can’t get a driver’s license,” said Hugo Gutierrez of South Bend. “There are mothers and fathers who can’t get to the store to get their children food, milk or get to their child’s school in case of emergency. They are stuck in their homes. We are hoping to get some answers here today.”

Maurice Hackney of South Bend said he hopes the diversity of the group can open city officials’ eyes to the great needs of all people.

“When help comes it will allow people to have a better quality of life,” he said.

“When everyone — both officials and residents — start working and listening then we will speed up the day when we all start to get along,” Hackney said.

Staff writer May Lee Johnson:
mjohnson@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6326