Concerns over community representation and accountability took center stage at the Birmingham City Council meeting on July 22, 2025. Reverend Harry Harris voiced strong criticism regarding the perceived neglect of local residents, particularly highlighting feelings of disenfranchisement among the community.

Harris emphasized that many residents feel unheard and misrepresented by their elected officials, specifically calling out city councilman JT Moore. He claimed that the community has been misled and that their concerns have not been adequately addressed. “This community feels very much not represented by someone they put in office,” Harris stated, underscoring a growing frustration with the lack of transparency and communication from local leaders.

The reverend pointed to three critical seats of concern: the city councilman’s position and two neighborhood association roles that he claimed are not effectively representing the community. He accused these representatives of acting independently rather than reflecting the voices of the residents they are supposed to serve.

Harris further described the situation as a form of “historical urban renewal on the backs of black people,” linking it to broader issues of redlining and environmental racism. He called for accountability from all elected officials, regardless of their political affiliation, and expressed solidarity with organizations like Black Lives Matter in advocating for community rights.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the concerns raised, but the path forward remains uncertain as community members demand more significant representation and action from their leaders.