Author: Woodlawn United
A Journey Across America: Insights From Eight Weeks of Community Development – Mashonda S. Taylor
The last quarter of 2023 was a whirlwind tour across various cities in the United States – from the vibrant streets of Washington, D.C., to the lively neighborhoods of New Orleans, the flourishing businesses in Grand Rapids, the dynamic initiatives in Dallas, the policy discussions in Montgomery, and the impactful gatherings in the heart of New York City. This journey has been a remarkable opportunity to fill my cup, soaking in inspiration from dynamic organizations and individuals all dedicated to fostering communities of opportunity. In this blog, I’ll share some highlights from my travels and the invaluable insights gained along the way.
Innovative Strategies in Washington, D.C.:
During my time in Washington, D.C., I engaged in discussions with Center Creek Capital, exploring innovative strategies and touring affordable housing developments. It was a deep dive into the mechanisms that drive community development, setting the stage for the enlightening experiences to follow.
The Power of Place Conference in New Orleans:
The Power of Place Conference in New Orleans, presented by the William Julius Winston Institute and Harlem Children Zone, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue. The key takeaway was the importance of understanding people before aiming for goals and metrics. Solutions, I learned, must match the scale of the problem. Additionally, a visit to the Bayou District Foundation showcased a cradle-to-career pathway, exemplifying intentional efforts to create economic mobility and provided an opportunity for me to hear from some dynamic keynote speakers from the Biden Administration.
Community-Centric Economic Development in Grand Rapids:
Grand Rapids became the backdrop for our Annual Leadership convening hosted by AmplifyGR. Here, the focus was on community-centric economic development. Witnessing the growth of businesses and their positive impact on the community was nothing short of phenomenal.
Jubilee Park’s Holistic Approach in Dallas:
Dallas stood out as a favorite with a visit to Jubilee Park, led by the dynamic Marissa Castro. Their community walk-alongs, engagement with residents, and initiatives in community policing and public safety were commendable. Jubilee Park’s commitment to holistic well-being, including a high-quality medical clinic, left a lasting impression.
Policy Shaping in Montgomery:
Montgomery provided a platform for discussing government partnerships and policy shaping at the Southeast Philanthropy Conference. Recognizing policy changes as a significant opportunity for lasting community change, the conference emphasized the vital role of philanthropy in advocacy work.
Federal Reserve Gathering in NYC:
In the bustling city of New York, the Federal Reserve hosted leaders from across the nation to discuss creating opportunity-rich communities and facilitating impact investment. The discussions revolved around absorbing capital into communities, and a design team session explored opportunities for impact investments at a community level. The focus was on adjusting tools in community development to pave the way for self-sufficient communities.
To sum it all up, the journey through the final weeks of 2023 was a profound experience filled with insights and inspiration from practitioners dedicated to community development. Each city contributed to the mosaic of knowledge, from innovative strategies and community-centric economic development to policy shaping and impactful gatherings. As we continue the collective effort towards creating opportunity-rich communities, these experiences serve as guideposts, reminding us that community development, economic development, policy-in-action, impact investment, and place matters.
Meet Wayne Honeycutt, Jr.
Wayne Honeycutt, Jr. | Owner of The Shop
Today we honor Black History Month by shining a light on local barbershop owner Wayne Honeycutt, Jr. Wayne has owned The Shop for over 40 years and currently serves as President of the Woodlawn Business Association.
The barbershop is a special place in the Black Community, as it serves as a hub for leadership development, education, and cultural enrichment. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Wayne was instilled with a vision for Black Excellence and has been dedicated to providing top-notch services to his customers, family, and community.
To continue elevating and supporting Black Culture, Wayne believes WE must continue amplifying messages of Black Excellence, owning properties, building legacies, and positively impacting the community.
Meet Anita Craig
Anita Craig | Owner of Trvl Love Koffee
Anita Craig is a driven, family-oriented coffee connoisseur who dared to take a chance in the coffee industry. As the owner of Trvl Love Koffee, Anita is breaking barriers and creating opportunities for individuals to see themselves as entrepreneurs. Despite not being a coffee drinker, she specializes in African and Indonesian coffees and is passionate about telling their stories. With a culinary degree and a background in bartending, Anita always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur.
Seeing individuals who look like you succeed in business inspires others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. In addition, representation leads to a more inclusive and innovative business community where everyone feels valued and heard. Today, Anita is helping to create a gathering spot that uplifts and feeds Woodlawn’s soul.
Remember, support is a verb that requires a lot of intentionality, so let’s continue to elevate and support Black culture and businesses in Woodlawn! Visit Trvl Love Coffee inside Woodlawn Marketplace Wednesday – Saturday 7am – 3pm!
Meet Teretia Jones
Teretia Jones | Woodlawn Resident
Meet Teretia Jones, a proud resident of Woodlawn for over 38 years.
Ms. Jones is now a retiree from Otis Elevator 40! Teretia has seen the Woodlawn Community as it ebbed and flowed over the years.
Teretia reminisces about being the first Black family on her street, where she serves her community faithfully. Ms. Jones prefers leading from the back by actively supporting Woodlawn’s leaders and engaging with the neighborhood association to build a resilient and inclusive community. This Black History Month, we asked Teretia what it means to her, her thoughts on building equity and inclusivity in our communities, and her advice: “Don’t let the naysayers say you can’t do it. Instead, surround yourself with people who support you and your diverse thoughts.”
Together, WE will continue to champion Black culture in Woodlawn, have meaningful conversations, and make a positive impact that will create legacies of equity and inclusiveness for future generations.
In Woodlawn, Change Is Happening Together
We believe community is a partnership — one defined by a commitment to build meaningful and enduring relationships between residents, community partners and business owners.
It’s every individual coming with their lived experiences, their dreams, their hopes and going on the same trajectory. Together, we define our community and ensure it thrives.
That’s the Power of WE.