The Legacy of Gentrification: Support Songhai City and Other Community-Run Spaces Across the City
As Philadelphia neighborhoods like Brewerytown are transformed by corporate development projects which place profit over people, we must support the communities that have fought for survival. Songhai City Cultural Center and the brave leaders of African American Business and Residents Association (AABRA) are a perfect example. Members of AABRA have fought developer John Westrum's vision of gentrifying this part of the city by bringing in high rent luxury condos and displacing the largely working-class African American community which has created a rich historical tapesty in this part of the city. In order to fight the dehumanizing ambitions of developers like Westrum, we must support the local community institutions where people gather, laugh, live and struggle. In the following video, made by Al Alston and the folks at AABRA, they call for precisely this type of support, which we should all take this very seriously.
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Building a NU Black United Front in Philly
The struggle for Justice and
Equality is well known and established in the Philadelphia Black
Community; for it has played a vital role in US and international
socio-political arenas. As in the years past, today we are still
facing many racial and ethical dilemmas that requiring serious and
non-stop actions. While civil rights are still of great concern, in
this day and age human rights must be expanded upon. Unity as with many
things is a work in progress but levels of Solidarity is readily in our
midst. We owe it to ourselves and to those who have come before us to
do the work that is mandated for now. With that said we commence with....
Open Forums, Panel Discussions, and Debates on
"Building a NU Black United Front in Philly"
A Call for Presenters, Panelist, additional proposed Topics,
and Endorsers
During the late 1970's and early 80's the Phila "Black United Front"
was a very vocal, visible, and powerful element in Philly. It was a
force recognized and respected, nationally, with Bro. Dave Richardson
(Rep. David P. Richardson) and Sis Falaka Fattah (House of Umoja) at
the helm as Co-chairs along with a huge number of street
soldiers/warriors, committed professionals, activists, etc. Issues
and concerns were being seriously addressed, a sense of accomplishment
and hope was readily available. But what happened?
Was it the change in the time or season, a change in goals and
objectives, was it sell outs, burn outs, or did it serve the purpose
that it was meant to be.? Surely there is no one answer or reason,
but generally, where there is a better understanding of the past, there
is a greater possibility (for the better) in the future.
With all that is going on in the world today and there being little to
no real and genuine direction and collective (especially grassroots)
efforts to move forward in a realistic and necessary manner in Philly
and nationwide, it brings us to ask: Is there a need for a Black United
Front now and if so how can/should it happen
These and other questions will be examined during the weekend of Feb
20-22, 2010 in recognition of one of the most prolific thinkers and
representation of Black/African self-determination, Black Nationalism,
Pan African and Progressive energy in modern times, Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik El Shabazz
Open Forum and Panel Discussions will include: (partial listing)
of the Black United Front (specifically Philly and
NY)
(including the reason for its formation, specific mission,
accomplishments, ultimate limited impact and demise)
role did COINTELPRO and other destructive entities play, if any, in the
Black Liberation Movement and other related work and programs?
& Who were/are the players and who were/are the pawns as it pertain
to the best interest and development of Black/African folks in Philly?
has, if at all, the multiculturalism platform and program affected the
Black Consciousness Movement and other related struggles/work to bring
about freedom and justice for people of African descent.
Examination of the MOVE Bombing and the Case of Mumia Abu Jamal: What
was and was is now the "Black Voice(s), Presences, and Stances in these
cases?
we need to build a NU "Black United Front" (or something of that
nature) in Philly in order to bring about a more cohesive, productive,
collective mandated reality, and improved quality of life for the Black
family and community?
If
you have historical of other information about any of these topics or
something else that is relevant to this project, or if you would like
to be a presenter, participate on a panel discussion or in a debate, or you have a suggestion for a topic(s) you would like to see discussed or presented, please e-mail your request (specifying your area of interest) by Sat. Jan. 30. 2010 to:
nationalmwm@aol.com blacxphilly@aol.com or officialmwm@yahoo.com
If you would like to be a co-sponsor of a session, have your
group/organization listed as an endorser, which to make a contribution,
or would like additional information, please contact the above email
addresses or call: 267-636-3802.
ALSO: Postal mail inquiries can be sent to:
National MWM P.O. Box 53668 Philadelphia, PA 19105
Attention: Blacx Philly Press
Your support is greatly appreciated....
Topics for Solution Oriented Discussions (partial listing)
A NU Black Philly Agenda, African Reparations & Remedies,
Culture & The Arts, Communications, Self-Defense/Security,
Finance & Wealth Development, Gentrification and Displacement, Codes of Conduct, Systematic Racism, Collective Management,
Treason & Sell-Out Identification and Response, Employment,
Prison Industrialized Complex, Skills Development,
Real Community & Nation/Village Building Development and
Self-Determination, Practical Unity & Solidarity,, Homelessness,
Support for Existing Black Institutions and Building Independent Ones,
Health & Healing, Preparations for a Plebiscite, Police &
Governmental Terrorism, Positive Children & Youth Development,
Black History Documentation and Preservation, Holistic Black Family
Development, The Rightful Place of the Black Woman, Elders' Council,
Leadership Requirements & Accountability, Progressive Political
Development, Environment, Gender & Age Discrimination,
Education/MisEducation, Ample Research & Information Dissimulation,
21st Century Emergency and Crisis Preparedness and Response,
Supporting Black Owned Businesses and Developing New Ones
List of presenters will be announced the week of Feb 1, 2010.
A
Community Poll will begin to take place and be made available via
internet, participating Black publications, businesses, and
institutions beginning January 18, 2010