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EVANSVILLE, Ind.–Racism has been declared a public health crisis in Evansville. The Evansville City Council voted 7-1 in favor of that Monday night.

The only person to vote against it was councilman Justin Elpers. Elpers and others who opposed the resolution say it simply acknowledges a long-standing problem and doesn’t do anything about it.

Reverend Adrian Brooks of Memorial Baptist Church in Evansville spoke at the council meeting.

“Hell its been a crisis all my life. You didn’t have to declare it. I could’ve told you that,” Brooks said. “You could’ve called me at home. Yes, there is a crisis. Have a good evening and thank you for listening.”

Brooks was already upset because the council had denied a resolution that would have helped the Memorial Community Development Corporation. If it had passed, $400,000 would have been used to develop ten single-family homes in census tracks that are over 50% African American.

“Every now and then even the preacher has enough and tonight- I’ve had enough. I’ve struggled too long,” said Brooks. “Fought too hard. Went too many sleepless nights working to develop this city into becoming a good city, and tonight you had a chance to help us- and you didn’t do it. Now you’re going to pass this document with no statistical data, no action plan, no strategic plan.”

The city of Indianapolis declared racism a public health crisis in June.