A former Shreveport, La., homicide detective, who now stars in his own television show Murder Chose Me, admits he doesn't know the "ins and outs" of the Magnolia community.
Rod Demery, addressing nearly 300 people at Saturday's annual NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, said Magnolia and Columbia County are probably not any different than other communities in the nation.
"If we want our communities to be better, we simply have to love one another," said Demery, who spent his entire 31-year career most investigating homicides. "I've learned that no one cares any more in our communities. No one is willing to stand up and speak out for others."
Taking jabs at nearly everyone from preachers to the President, Demery said he's sees people focusing more on things they can't do anything about rather than things they can control.
"You can't do anything about what the President said about Haiti and Africa the other day. I'm reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said you can't make man love you, but you can create laws to keep him from lynching you," said Demery.
The speaker, who noted that his television series carry him all over the country, said he's heartbroken where communities are so detached from each other.
"There are blacks in all types of leadership positions today. There are mayors, district attorneys and police chiefs. In some cases, none will step up," he said.
Using a parable, he explained that when the flock walks away and get eaten by wolves when the shepherd doesn't stand up for them.
Demery mentioned that God gave him courage to say what he wants and "not what people want me to say."
"We're talking about being Christ-like. That means sacrifice. Dying for your people means standing up for something," he explained, alluding that many individuals are afraid of losing their jobs or positions.
"We need you to step up and say what's on our mind and not worry about the consequences. We are at a critical point and losing too many people each day," he said.
During 10 years, Demery said he worked or dealt with 254 homicides where the victims were black between the ages of 10 and 24.
"Trust me when I say it's past time to start taking care of our people," he said.
Demery lives by the phrase Murder Chose Me, because his mother was killed when he was 2 and was sent to New Mexico to stay with grandparents.
"I believe I am where I am today because I suppose to be here by way of God's motivation and His will. In 1969 when my mother was killed, she was simply another black woman that nobody knew. Now everyone knows my mother now," he said.
The detective again issued a challenged for people to start focusing more on things they can do something about.
"Teach your children on what's right and wrong," he said, emphasizing he has no use for "my people" who don't own up to their responsibility.
"If we don't take care of each other, no one will," he added.
Also during the annual Freedom Fund Banquet, held at the Southview Church of Christ activity building, the local chapter gave out several individual awards.