Home > What do you want?
This is out of the box thinking…Think about it…
I didn’t want this comment by Ingrid Martine to be lost among the many, so I decided to print it as a ‘Guest Entry”.
President Abraham Lincoln said,
Towering genius disdains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored.As you said, Carol, an extreme makeover in East Waco needs some out of the box thinking, or in President Lincoln’s words, seeks regions hitherto unexplored. And yes, www.greenforall.org is a great place to find some of the regions not yet explored in and for Waco. So here are my thoughts that frame the vision that follows.
- Waco’s well-being cannot be divorced from East Waco’s well-being.
- In the Greater Waco Strategic Economic Plan there’s room for East Waco even though EW is not specifically mentioned.
- I suspect Waco would appreciate help and support and ideas off the beaten path for these extraordinary times we live in.
- This is the time where we must demonstrate clarity of vision, focused energy on goals that derive from the vision, and collaboration, commitment, and good will among all key stakeholders.
My **vision is the formation of a “for social profit entity” (Perhaps it could be called Green Opportunities Waco .G.O.Waco). This organization recognizes that there are grand opportunities for economic growth in the new green economy. G.O. Waco dismantles the standard and customary (and very tired) notion that greening America is bad for the economy. G.O. Waco encourages and supports an inclusive green economy that grows Waco’s middle class by creating green pathways out of poverty and bringing the community together in committed action that benefits community, families, individuals, and the planet that supports all. G.O. Waco’s mission is to advocate locally and nationally for a commitment to green collar job creation and training as well as entrepreneurial opportunities in the emerging green economy, especially for people from disadvantaged segments of the community, thereby fighting both poverty and pollution at the same time. G.O. Waco also promotes positive alternatives for economic development through education and linkage to cutting-edge national campaigns that can be modified and duplicated locally.
Here’s a definition of green collar jobs. You’ll see they are designed to have people earn a living wage, one on which they can support a family. It’s a job that can lead to greater opportunities. Green jobs address two crucial concerns-restoring the environment and making a living. Green collar jobs consist of work within the growing industries that are helping us kick the oil habit, curb green-house gas emissions, eliminate toxins, and protect natural systems. Green collar workers are installing solar panels, retrofitting buildings to make them more efficient, constructing transit lines, refining waste oil into biodiesel, erecting wind farms, repairing hybrid cars, building green rooftops, planting trees, and so much more. These green jobs connect a person’s commitment to their work with a commitment to the planet, while building a vibrant, restorative economy. A job that does something for the planet, and little to nothing for the people, or the economy, however, does not qualify.
Why does this fit with Greater Waco’s Economic Development Plan? Read it for yourself, and you’ll see (Although I can see that when the plan talks about collaboration I don’t see citizen groups well represented. And the benchmarks and performance measures are not always S.M.A.R.T. , that is, specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. Nonetheless, it sets the direction and is probably flexible.). I do see that there’s a commitment to creating more jobs, enhance education, training, and workforce development programs, increase labor force participation, and reduce poverty rates., for example. I also heard (This is not verified) that requests to the African American Chamber are out to suggest implementation strategies.
There is also money going to become available when Congress appropriates the money ($125 million per year) for the Green Jobs Act of 2007 whose purpose it is to create an energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program.
An extreme makeover of East Waco will be possible when people who live there have living wage jobs and are invested in the community. They’ll be able to purchase the more affordable homes promised by the Greater Waco Economic Development Plan. They’ll be able to take advantage of home purchasing assistance programs (or better yet, not even need those programs!). They may very well have jobs retrofitting public buildings in the city, plant roof gardens that lower energy leakage and costs. They may weatherize Waco’s houses, including, of course, East Waco’s. They might install solar panels with assistance from programs designed to support such projects on their own homes and/or public buildings. If you look carefully at the Economic Development Plan, all that is possible. I’m just being more specific than the plan. The plan is the strategy, and I’m envisioning some of the specific ways in which the strategy can be demonstrated in action.
We live in extraordinary time, and it’s time for extraordinary results. They will be achieved with a committed citizenry. There’s a core group of people who are creating G.O. Waco (or whatever name is ultimately chosen). If you would like to be involved and get on our-mail mailing list, contact coachmartine@g-mail.com.
Permalink | Comments (15) | Post your comment |
A Week Away and…
Boys, boys…it didn’t take long for the sparring to begin again, did it? It’s okay, I suspected as much. Now that you’ve got that out of your system, let’s get back to the dream of an extreme make-over for EW.
I’ve been looking into how EW might ride the wave of the new green economy. Take a look at www.greenforall.org and let me know if you see how EW might benefit from something like this.
Remember, it’s going to take some out of the box thinking to get us out of the box. Penny for your thoughts…
Permalink | Comments (33) | Post your comment |
Out of Pocket…
I’ll be out of pocket for a week, with little and maybe no access to the blog. (I know I’ll go through withdrawals.) I’ll be back on Monday.
If the make-over happens while I’m away, I won’t be mad.
Fred, be nice. Mikey, I hope you’re doing well. Everyone else, keep your eye on the price and have I asked you lately, What Do You Want?
Permalink | Comments (12) | Post your comment |
This is What Happens When We’re Not at the Table…
How exciting to see Waco’s leaders take a trip to Chattanooga as a model for redevelopment, but I agree with Loren Schwartz who said “the planning process needs to include the whole community, including minorities and representatives of East Waco. That diversity was not refllected in the Waco delegation”. It was said that several minority leaders were invited, but could not make the trip on short notice. I wondered when they were invited because this trip has been on the agenda for quite sometime and was not planned on short notice. What minority leaders were invited?
Loren, you hit the nail on the head - minorities need to be at the table. How else can our views be considered? How else can our interests be served? Decisions that involve ‘us’ need to include ‘us’.
What do I want? I want proper representation at the decision making table. Fred, this is not an opportunity to fuss, it is a time to get involved. How do we get to the table? Let’s not be guilty of painting our own selves out of the picture.
To my brothers and sisters who have retired and have time on your hands, good sense and a voice that cares for the community you came from, why not represent us at the decision-making table? We need you.
Permalink | Comments (20) | Post your comment |
What Would Happen If…
I understand there are a significant number of churches in EW that deposit a significant amount of money each week in various banks in the city. What do you suppose would happen if they all became selective about where they made their deposits? Is it possible that adequate financing for development in EW is already available? I think it would be a good idea to add wise handling of our finances, good business practices and common union to our prayer list for EW.
As we approach the celebration of the 143 anniversary of our emancipation in Texas, I think a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed and worked together for our liberation might be for us to sacrifice and work together for EW. Think about it…
Happy Juneteenth!
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
It’s Time to Pray
In this Bible-belt town, where we talk of knowing the Almighty, all-powerful great I Am personally, when was the last time you talked to Him specifically about EW? “Well that’s too long.”
For some the answer to an extreme make-over for EW is to bring in more police, throw all the ner-do-wells in jail and throw away the key - then re-build from there. The challenge with that is that the seeming ner-do-wells are people and the truth is, we have no throw away species, we have no throw away chldren - we have no throw away communities.
So if you know the Almighty personally, the next time you talk to Him, would you ask Him what He wants for EW and how you might be a part of His plan?
Permalink | Comments (19) | Post your comment |
The Challenge
Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you.
From The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn
What do you want and what are you going to do?
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment |
What Does It Look Like?
I want to know what a healthy, vibrant commumity looks like? We’ve talked a lot about an extreme make-over for EW, but what are the ‘must-haves’ for a healthy community? What has to happen to sustain it?
Permalink | Comments (69) | Post your comment |
Can You Say Thank You?
Sometimes the conversations that appear on this blog leave you with the impression that Waco is an awful, uncaring, crime-infested place to live. Yet, quite the opposite is true, which is one of the reasons I am proud to make my home here. Make no mistake about it, we’ve got lots of room to grow, but there are lots of good people doing lots of good things that EW benefits from as well as the entire community.
Click on this link http://www.seedspublishers.org/work-locally-waco to stay abreast of some of the good that’s being done. The goal of this site is to keep each other informed about events in the Waco area that might be of interest to people who are concerned about hunger and poverty in our community and the world. You might even want to participate. It’s also a place to post events that you would like to make known.
Additionally, I would like to say thank you to the Waco PD. I have intentionally driven around EW early morning and late night and have seen a visible presence in the neighborhood. I’ve even stopped them to say thank you. Fred and Mikey, can you say thank you? Come on, you can do it:)
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment |
On the Subject of Words…
My friends Fred and Mikey use a lot of incendiary words to describe how they believe racism has played a part in the neglect of EW. While I do not agree with the slanderous terms they use nor the generalizations they make, in my heart I understand what they are trying to say. Yet, I think Ms. Rice’s comments below about racism in America (shared by a CNN contributor on March 31, 2008 at http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/31/forget-rev-wright-condi-talks-tough-about-race-in-america/) best describe how I feel because I loved Waco before Waco loved me.
Sen. Barack Obama has called for a national discussion on race in America, and one of the folks who sure didn’t hold back when asked was Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
In a discussion with the editorial board of the Washington Times on Thursday, Rice called racism a birth defect of America, and said that black Americans have loved the nation even when it didn’t love us.
The Times reported:
Black Americans were a founding population, she said. Africans and Europeans came here and founded this country together, Europeans by choice and Africans in chains. That’s not a very pretty reality of our founding.
As a result, Miss Rice told editors and reporters at The Washington Times, descendants of slaves did not get much of a head start, and I think you continue to see some of the effects of that.
That particular birth defect makes it hard for us to confront it, hard for us to talk about it, and hard for us to realize that it has continuing relevance for who we are today, she said.
Rice later said: America doesn’t have an easy time dealing with race, Miss Rice said, adding that members of her family have endured terrible humiliations.
What I would like understood as a black American is that black Americans loved and had faith in this country even when this country didn’t love and have faith in them and that’s our legacy, she said.
Wow, was all I could say to that.
What was even more stunning was the relative lack of coverage on this issue.I was told CNN’s. The Situation Room did a piece on her comments Friday. But when I surfed the Net to see follow-up stories in other papers, it has pretty much been ignored, except for some briefs.
Why would the mainstream media be so dismissive of Rice’s comments? Imagine if Rev. Al Sharpton or Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. said such a thing. Do you think they would have gotten ripped?
The fact of the matter is that Rice was right on the money with her comments, and should be commended. She spoke honestly and openly about the issue, and deserves credit for speaking the truth.
I just wish my colleagues in the media would do a better job at advancing the issue of race in America and our sordid history.
We went bonkers about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, but when Rice, the nation’s chief diplomat, spoke truthfully, it barely made a ripple.
- Roland S. Martin, CNN Contributor www.rolandsmartin.com
What does this have to do with what I want for EW? I just want change.
Permalink | Comments (41) | Post your comment |
If You Don’t Know, Ask…
From my parents at home and my teachers at school, I was always told to ask questions. “The only stupid question is the one that is not asked.” Heeding their advice has been very beneficial in my life. It has kept me from wasting time trying to “re-invent the wheel”.
My point is this, now that we have answered the question “what do you want”, maybe the question now is “how do you get it”? There is a lot of development going on downtown and in other areas of the city and that’s a good thing. So my question is how do we make it happen in EW?
Permalink | Comments (15) | Post your comment |
Sometimes we have to be reminded…
The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans—ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country…Let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own. —John F. Kennedy
Permalink | Comments (51) | Post your comment |
Despise Not Small Beginnings…
Many thanks to all who consciously used their time, money, creativity, physical vitality, enjoyment, and relationship energies to beautify a part of EW with Knock-out roses on Elm. You have placed a puzzle piece onto the EW make-over.
Another puzzle piece is being placed in Estella Maxey. While one group works on the external make-over, another works on an internal make-over with Restoration Haven in Estella Maxey. Check out what Shirley Langston, an EW ‘home-girl’ who moved back after 30-years is doing with her passion to make-over EW from the inside out.
The CTAACC Circle of Influence steering committee is also working on putting some pieces on the EW puzzle board. They will be meeting again on April 24. Watch for the exact date and time in upcoming posts.
These are just a few of the things that I am aware of. If you know of others, let me know and thanks in advance.
Permalink | Comments (45) | Post your comment |
I Have a Dream Too…
My dream is of the community that love will build.
“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment |
Just the Facts…
It’s been a while since I was in school and what I learned about city governance I have forgotten. Would someone like to educate me, in layman terms, on the role of city/federal government in the development and maintenance of a community? Please no opinion, just the facts.
Permalink | Comments (17) | Post your comment |
Participant or Spectator - Which One Are You?
At the end of 2004, the late Waco Mayor Mae Jackson (God rest her soul), convened a group of leaders from throughout the area to develop a new vision for the community. That’s a direct quote from the Community Visioning Project. That vision has five categories:
- Strengthen the heart of the community
- Increase economic opportunities
- Engage leaders
- Enhance life outside the workplace
- Develop our distinct advantage
It takes a lot of man power to bring this vision to pass on either side of the river. It takes people participating in the process.The vision is in place and it includes EW, but if you are not at the table when key decisions are made who is going to represent what you care about.
Where are my African American brothers and sisters when there is a city council meeting, a school board meeting, a community planning meeting, a leadership meeting, a PTA meeting? They do not put locks on the doors that say ‘whites only’. If you don’t show up, the perception is that you don’t care and if you don’t care, why should anyone else care?
It’s time to get involved and become a part of the process cause the train is on the track and its going to move with or without your input. There is more to life than going to church, to work and the grocery store. Turn the TV off and volunteer some time. You’re smart, you’ve got ideas, dreams, creativity, talent and you’ve even got a little money - Make a conscious decision to PARTICIPATE!. If you can’t be at an meeting or on a committee, encourage someone else to do so. Be a supporter - an encourager. Show up in numbers.
I want an extreme make-over for EW, but not at the expense or the neglect of any other area. If we are ALL active and at the table, ALL areas can grow.
Pass the word - YOU are the difference maker - show up and participate.
Permalink | Comments (43) | Post your comment |
Great Opportunity to Become Involved - location correction
The Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce (CTAACC) is holding a steering committee meeting on March 27th at 6:30 pm at the Neighborworks office at 922 Franklin, as a follow up to the Circle of Influence breakfast. The community, elected officials and spiritual leaders will meet again to address social change and economic development plans for our area. The goal to provide an organized voice to address the needs of the community and distribute important information regarding the issues. Please RSVP by calling 235-3204.
Best BHM Take-Away
February was a great Black History Month for me. I was educated, enlightened and inspired! My best take-away was from the Roy Jones lecture at Baylor on February 25. This was a quote he shared at the end of his presentation. Let it sink in…
It must be borne in the mind that the tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal, but it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is sin. — Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, President Emeritus, Morehouse College
So what’s your goal for EW?
Kudos, Kudos, Kudos!
If you’re thinking that you and I are the only ones thinking about an EW make-over, think again. I went to the Circle of Influence Breakfast this morning hosted by the CenTex-African American Chamber of Commerce, Baylor Athletic Department, Hazel Harvey Peace Scholarship Fund and Congressman Chet Edwards and everyone was there from the mayor to the city councilman, from the preachers to the teachers, from the businessmen to the city attorney, from the police chief to the indian chief (well, maybe not the indian chief), but representatives from the chamber and just ordinary folks like you and me were there planning and discussing how we can make our community (EW included) a better place to live and work.
Stay tuned, the stage is being set and the players are taking their places. I am convinced a make-over for EW is going to happen! If you don’t believe it, hide and watch.
What Can You Do?
I haven’t found anyone that is opposed to the idea of an extreme make-over for EW (not even Mikey and Fred - thanks guys for agreeing to tone it down a bit).
As I am out and about, many people ask the question, “What can I do to help with the EW make-over”? Well, let me see…
- What’s your special area of expertise?
- What is it that you enjoy doing so much that you would do even if no one asked you to or paid you to?
- Are you a strategic planner, an organizer?
- Are you good with details?
- What is/was your college major?
- How do you think you can help?
- How would you like to help?
Kudos to WacoTrib.com for using what they have to help with the EW make-over via this blog. So how do you think you might help the EW make-over? You decide.
On a side note, watch for “In Their Own Words: Stories from Waco’s Former Slaves” coming soon in WacoTrib.com. This capstone to Black History Month will feature local black figures giving voice to the ex-slave narratives collected by federal folklorists in the 1930s.
Permalink | |
CAN YOU SAY SOLUTION!?
Mikey and Fred, you guys are working my last nerve with all this negativity! Enough of the poor, pitiful, taken advantage of, victimized black folk talk! As General Colin Powell said, “Get mad and get over it!” What action are you willing to take to make things better? General Powell also said, “The chief condition on which, life, health and vigor depend on, is action. It is by action that an organism develops its faculties, increases its energy, and attains the fulfillment of its destiny.”
Stop waiting on someone to come rescue your commumity! Man up and help a sista’ out! You sound like little boys. This is grown folk business. Our women and children need solutions, not petty, sissy talk! Now offer up some solutions or shut up! The quoto has been filled on bitterness! It’s been filled on resentment! It’s been filled on justification! It’s time to take responsibility! Is there a man in the house or do I have to do this by myself!
I want an extreme make-over for my dying community. If you can help with that I’d love to hear from you. If not…
Latest comments
When Paul Quinn was founded, its purpose was noble and it had a well-defined mission. It was a real college. Not only East Waco, but all of Waco should have been proud of Paul Quinn. As the years passed, the enrollment didn’t grow. It changed
... read the full comment by Dale | Comment on This is out of the box thinking...Think about it... Read This is out of the box thinking...Think about it...
I remember when the Quinn Campus was an actual College Campus of which East Waco could be proud. But Paul Quinn College “imploded” with the thieving Administration running-off will all the money and leaving nothing but rotten buildings (like
... read the full comment by Fred | Comment on This is out of the box thinking...Think about it... Read This is out of the box thinking...Think about it...
To Mr. Fred aka Mr. Afraid…. Rapoport Academy officials see their newest building renovation at Quinn Campus as a score for the charter school’s high school program and a blow against blight.
A couple of years ago, the former Paul Quinn College
... read the full comment by James | Comment on This is out of the box thinking...Think about it... Read This is out of the box thinking...Think about it...
North Waco is on the way to having issues. I can’t get the police to do a thing about it. People drinking beer all night long then getting in their cars and running up and down the roads at fast speeds. I have no idea how many times I see people
... read the full comment by sue | Comment on This is out of the box thinking...Think about it... Read This is out of the box thinking...Think about it...