04/22/2025
Good evening Mayor, Councilmembers, and fellow citizens of Shoreacres,
For those who don’t know me, my name is Anthony Martin. I’m a resident, a homeowner, a taxpayer—and someone who cares deeply about the direction and dignity of this community.
Tonight, I’m not just here to introduce myself. I’m here to address an issue that’s uncomfortable for some, but impossible for me to ignore: racism, prejudice, and the casual ignorance that too often goes unchecked in Shoreacres.
Let me be blunt: I’ve been called “the Black guy”—not in jest, not in private, but in our city office. I’ve been followed by police shortly after moving here, treated like a suspect before being seen as a neighbor. And recently, I’ve heard the words “lynching” and “bro” thrown around casually by individuals who hold or seek power. If you don’t see the problem with that, you are the problem.
Leadership is not a social club. It is a responsibility. And if you can’t leave your personal bias at the door, you have no business holding a seat at this table.
If you haven’t taken the time to know me, here’s who I am:
My name is Anthony Martin—not “the Black guy.” I’m 57. I was raised by a Black mother after losing my father before I could walk. Though I may be biologically white, I was raised Black—and I wear that truth with pride. I’m not here to fit into your label. I’m here because Shoreacres is my home.
Let me make this crystal clear: I don’t need permission to belong here. I don’t need to prove my worth to anyone. I am just as entitled to respect, voice, and space in this community as anyone else—regardless of how many years I’ve lived here.
This city’s future depends on more than tradition and appearances—it demands courage, accountability, and equity. We will not move forward if we continue to turn a blind eye to discrimination, whether it’s whispered, joked about, or baked into the way decisions are made.
I will not respond to hate with hate. But don’t mistake my dignity for silence or weakness. I will speak up every time—and I will not tolerate this behavior.
We must do better. Because every single resident—regardless of race, background, or status—deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued.
