The Inner City

[MIDWESTDIVA]

Hello again ladies. I have another topic on mind.

There was a discussion on another website that involved the location of Sigma Gamma Rho Headquarters. One member in particular, I believe her name was Romunda Harris, stated that the best way to help the community is to be a part of that community. I agree with this and that is why I purchased a home in an inner city neighborhood three years ago. But I have noticed that most college graduates can't wait to buy homes in the suburbs. Many of my friends that do this are also members of BGLO's. My question is this: Do you think it is really possible to improve a community, but choose not to live in it? How can our inner city communities make any progress if the best and brightest sons and daughters choose to abandon them?

Again, any and all thoughts would be appreciated.

[SoloRHO]

Soror, I first have to say that I LOVE your topic ideas! PLEASE keep them coming. I cant remember the last time I was this active on GreekChat.
But to answer your question, I don't think its NECCESSARY but it would be HELPFUL to live in the neighborhood you want to improve.
My friends think Im crazy for wanting to stay in my neighborhood when I graduate. We all come from poorer, more violent neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY. But truth be told, I love my communty and the people in it. I've lived in the same apt. in the same apt. building for ALL OF MY LIFE. I've, for a long time, been thinking of a way to help my community by getting more involved. But it wasnt until I joined our wonderful sisterhood that I saw a means to that end. I actually am starting a step team in my neighborhood. (Small step, but Im very proud of it) And if you all remember, a while ago, a NUPE posted an invite to attend a basketball tournament for the youth. Surprisingly, he was a neo that was raised in my neighborhood and that tournament was down the block from my apartment. That NUPE (who no longer lives in this community) has since then become a very good friend and supporter of mine, and I know we have many things to look forward to implementing in our community.
So I don't think a person MUST stay in the community, as long as they don't lose touch.

Peace
SoloRHO

PS: Soror Romunda Harris (if we're talking about the same one) is our current NE Region UCC.

[misssgrho]

I think it's possible to help a community you don't live in. If you're commited to that area and volunteer your time then your helping. A lot of people are pushing for young Blacks to go back to "our communities" once they graduate. In some areas your seen as a "sell-out" or thinking your "better" if you don't choose live in the suburbs. I grew up in the suburbs so that is my community. It's the only community I know. I do understand that in larger scale society Blacks disproportionatly live in the inner city. Because of this I do most of my community service in the inner city; and feel as if I'm making a positive difference in the lives of the people that live in that area despite the fact my address has another zip code.

Miss SGRho
--------
And yes it took
4 times to get it right

[MIDWESTDIVA]

[b][QUOTE]Originally posted by SoloRHO:
Soror, I first have to say that I LOVE your topic ideas!

Thank you SoloRHO, but I am an interest, not a soror.

I was prompted to bring this subject up because I saw on the news a few months ago that a neighborhood in KC, KS was offering tax breaks to teachers, police officers and other professionals to move into target areas of the city. The idea was bring positive role models to inner city neighborhoods permanently. I think it is a wonderful idea!

Let me add these houses aren't run down or anything like that. They are building new homes in a lot of urban neighborhoods.

Let me also add that I don't have anything against suburban areas. Most of my relatives live in the burbs, and so have I at some points in my life. I just think that inner city kids should be able to look down their street and see that African American doctors, lawyers, computer programers, teachers, etc. really do exist in the real world, not just on television.

And finally, Romunda Harris did state that she was a national officer of Sigma Gamma Rho.

[This message has been edited by MIDWESTDIVA (edited October 31, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by MIDWESTDIVA (edited November 01, 2000).]

[SoloRHO]

Sorry Midwestidva,
But thanks for being honest,
Still girl, Keep on posting!!!

~*~*~back to the regularly scheduled discussion~*~*~

[blu_theatrics]

This is a very interesting topic and has got me to thinking. I personally have lived in the same area my entire life, and up until a few wekks ago all of my family lived her too (my cousin just moved to Atl. and I miss her soooo much)
I plan on moving to another state when I graduate just becaus eI hatew the weather in the midwest, after 212 years I still haven't got usedto it and I know that I would be much happier in a warmer climate.

But I have noticed that they are building new homes in the middle of our city. EXPENSIVE HOMES and I was thinking maybe Could live there or in another little division of the city, but I don't know, I feel as if I would like my son to be able o grow up in places were the park always had swings and tyhere was no grafitti on the slides, and I understand that if I want this, then I need to do some things in my community to help it too, but I still think that I would rather my son be somewere else, but I don't want him to loose his heritage or his family, I guess this is a big dilemna for me

I think I might just move down to atlanta with my cousin....lol

[NinjaPoodle]

TTT

[deuika]

Hello Ladies,

I have had this conversation with a number of my friends recently. So often, when WE get a little money we assume it's in our best interest to get as far away from US as possible. Now, I'm all for US doing well, but we must understand that you are only as accomplished as the rest of US. What I mean is, yes, you can have a wonderful home in Malibu, be a CEO etc., but if your people still live in the slums, that will be attributed to you.

We must come to grips with reality, that beautiful toasty brown to dark mahogany cover that you wear will always be seen before your home or office. No, I don't want the successful to feel obligated to stay within the communities from which they have risen, BUT aren't we all aware that most neighborhoods in this country are built on property taxes? Your home can be the main factor in determining whether or not a public school stays open. Though your children may not attend public school, their friends, your relatives etc. do. You can be successful and contribute to the success of others at the same time.

It is downright hypocrisy to say you want to help the community but pull a "AA Flight" as soon as you peak 50,000 annually. As if you coming in on Thanksgiving as seen as anything more than a handout and a line on your resume. We work harder for that which we are a part of.