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.

Since 2010, the Woodlawn Foundation has served as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community.

Our goal: to work alongside Woodlawn’s residents and business owners to create the vibrant and sustainable community they envision.

Today, our vision and mission remain the same, but we are excited to announce a meaningful change. The Woodlawn Foundation is now Woodlawn United.

Since April 2021, our team has been working with Telegraph Creative to ensure that our brand aligns with our mission and core values.

During this time, we surveyed 40 partner organizations, spoke with residents, and formed a small committee to have an honest discussion about who we are as an organization and how our work will not only transform Woodlawn but will serve as a blueprint for many communities in our city and beyond.

After hours of dialogue around our brand identity and strategic planning process, we believe the images and words you see today represent who we are to our core – community-focused, aligned, and most importantly, UNITED.

The Woodlawn community’s resilience and commitment to working together to create opportunities for community members to thrive is what makes us who we are. It’s the only reason we are here and it’s one of the many reasons that we are proud to be a part of this community. To be Woodlawn Strong is to persevere through all adversity towards the greater good of all. To be Woodlawn United is to do it together.

We are Woodlawn United.

Since Woodlawn Foundation’s founding in 2010, Woodlawn Foundation’s mission has been to serve as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham into a vibrant and sustainable community in which its residents have an opportunity to thrive.