It’s a goal rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for America, which included a push for the creation of “beloved” communities. The concept is the bedrock of GREAT’s advocacy work, which they use to describe their vision for the neighborhood — a neighborhood built on justice, equality and love that is welcoming and supportive of all.
“We are afraid that will be disturbed or taken away with the development that has been going on,” said Regina Robinson, an organizer with GREAT.
During the workshop, participants learned how to stay in the loop on proposed development projects, the importance of attending zoning meetings, and ways to create more affordable housing in the area.
They also considered how residents could respond as a community to a pair of development scenarios, both based on real-life circumstances, including one rooted in the history of the Germantown YWCA, a large historic building that has remained vacant for two decades.
In small groups, participants discussed potential strategies for influencing City Councilmember Cindy Bass, who represents the district, to consider the neighborhood’s desire for affordable housing, as well as how they would organize residents around the effort.
Traditionally, council members in Philadelphia have considerable sway over what gets developed in their districts.
“Each neighbor is vital,” said Marie-Monique Marthol before the exercise. “People power is real.”