OUAT Blog for May 23rd
In light of the change of seasons that are currently upon us, it is impossible to ignore the "signs of the times". In addition to allergies, wet weather and warmer days, the winds of change in our communities are making themselves known as well.
I had the distinct pleasure of being a part of the Celebrate Jackson Ward festivities that took place over the weekend at Abner Clay Park in Richmond, Virginia. These festivities marked a monumental time for this National Landmark District. The Executive Director of the Richmond Symphony, Mr. David Fisk, spoke with me about the importance of community engagement and why a cultural institution like the Richmond Symphony came on board to not only support the community with an outdoor concert (albeit cancelled due to weather), but even went so far as to fund the video documentary OUAT produced, Celebrate Jackson Ward: Past, Present and Future (currently showing at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia).
Likewise, just 40 miles away in Powhatan County, OUAT was central in planning a public protest organized to bring awareness to the threat of the sale of the 2,200 acre property, a property that has been in service to the African American community and stewarded by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament since the late 1800's. Over 400 concerned citizens came out 2 weeks ago to show support and to stand in solidarity for the preservation of this historic space.
As I participate in these events and speak with community leaders and organizers, there is a growing awareness that the need for "us" to actively participate in preserving "our" institutions, communities and neighborhoods is indeed growing. Whether the threat is covert gentrification, land developers poaching properties from minority communities or just the lack of awareness from residents with regards to the historic value of their space, this is the time in which we are currently living.
And as our residents grow older, the younger generation, my generation, must now begin to make its mark on the ways in which we will be the voice for the future preserving the stories of our history. So we all must take into account the reality of our cause(s) and our situation(s), as well as be mindful and sensitive to what is at stake and consider all that may be lost due to our inaction.
In light of the change of seasons that are currently upon us, it is impossible to ignore the "signs of the times". In addition to allergies, wet weather and warmer days, the winds of change in our communities are making themselves known as well.
I had the distinct pleasure of being a part of the Celebrate Jackson Ward festivities that took place over the weekend at Abner Clay Park in Richmond, Virginia. These festivities marked a monumental time for this National Landmark District. The Executive Director of the Richmond Symphony, Mr. David Fisk, spoke with me about the importance of community engagement and why a cultural institution like the Richmond Symphony came on board to not only support the community with an outdoor concert (albeit cancelled due to weather), but even went so far as to fund the video documentary OUAT produced, Celebrate Jackson Ward: Past, Present and Future (currently showing at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia).
Likewise, just 40 miles away in Powhatan County, OUAT was central in planning a public protest organized to bring awareness to the threat of the sale of the 2,200 acre property, a property that has been in service to the African American community and stewarded by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament since the late 1800's. Over 400 concerned citizens came out 2 weeks ago to show support and to stand in solidarity for the preservation of this historic space.
As I participate in these events and speak with community leaders and organizers, there is a growing awareness that the need for "us" to actively participate in preserving "our" institutions, communities and neighborhoods is indeed growing. Whether the threat is covert gentrification, land developers poaching properties from minority communities or just the lack of awareness from residents with regards to the historic value of their space, this is the time in which we are currently living.
And as our residents grow older, the younger generation, my generation, must now begin to make its mark on the ways in which we will be the voice for the future preserving the stories of our history. So we all must take into account the reality of our cause(s) and our situation(s), as well as be mindful and sensitive to what is at stake and consider all that may be lost due to our inaction.
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| Omega Psi Phi, Delta Omega Chapter, with youth mentees at the BHM screening of the Jackson Ward Documentary |
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