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What is this?
Black Belt projects to be discussed
Published Saturday, June 27, 2009
When Cicely Curtis looks out across Alabama's Black Belt, she sees green.
But this is not the green ecological movement per se, although it could be; it's not the single green of dollars, although it'll take funding to accomplish some of the goals.
"I see going green as developing a holistic community and its use what you have to turn the Black Belt green," she said.
An explanation and discussion of projects to enable the Black Belt will be discussed tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church. The Rev. James Jackson is the host pastor.
The featured speaker for the evening is Congressman Artur Davis, who represents the 7th District, which includes a major portion of the Black Belt.
For Curtis, the daughter and granddaughter of civil rights pioneers, the idea of community building seemed like the right thing to do.
Turning the Black Belt Green is a faith-based and community project of the Selma-Dallas County Think Tank.
The project has recruited community builders composed of educators, business owners and leaders of existing community non-profit organizations to collaborate and develop action plans to ultimately provide a quality education, generate jobs and prepare the work force for global competition.
The Think Tank was founded in 2007 by state Rep. Yusuf Salaam. The key to bringing growth to an area, according to the legislator, is to focus on a challenge or issue or priority.
This is the method of the Think Tank and by selectively working together through theory, practicum and action, Salaam believes success will follow. After all, he said, these are new ideas. This method was part of Booker T. Washington's work at Tuskegee.
Salaam stresses this is a "bottom up" strategy for working for success in the Black Belt, meaning everyday people working through a variety of coalitions, "community building in education, economic development and other aspects of our lives will join with public sector, private sector and the government to work for everyone."
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Comments
Posted by bama (anonymous) on June 28, 2009 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What are the actual projects to be discussed? Am I missing something in the feelgood statements being made? Talking in general terms about "going green" and "working together" is great but they are just words without substance. Where are the actual ideas?
Posted by lookout1 (anonymous) on June 28, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's what happens when you don't have a functioning city or county engineers office. No real projects discussed. Noone to advise about problem areas or solutions to Selma and Dallas County's crumbling infrastructure.
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on June 29, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2009/06...
While we are discussing issues that effect this city and nation, maybe Mr. Davis can make sure we as a nation aren't faced with providing "Illegals" free healthcare through the bill above. Better be taking notes.
Posted by disgruntled (anonymous) on June 29, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Going green huh? All at the same time we are going to be taking on mountains of trash from all over the U.S.,including some possibly toxic ash from TN. Seems a little hypocritical of us to be doing both at the same time, doesn't it?
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on June 29, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree "disgruntled". It's quiet funny to watch such adamant Obama supporters in Selma talk about his "green" policies, yet, look at the Selma streets, neighborhoods and houses they amass with trash. If you are going to be on the windmill, solar panel, recycle, save the Earth train...how about doing your part in this town first. How about a little action and a little less talking. You people can't even pay your garbage bills.
Posted by archangelsk (anonymous) on June 29, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Eyeonyou --
Tell me, honestly, here in Alabama how "illegal immigrants" affect you personally. Last time I looked around, I didn't see this flood of illegals pouring into our state. Before you go spouting off GOP/Limbaugh talking points about things you obviously have no clue about maybe you should check your facts.
This "cost" to the American taxpayer for foreign workers here w/o permission is nominal. Yeah, alot of those guys are using fradulent SSN's, but when they get their paychecks, they're paying their FICA, SS, Medicaid, etc. Now when it comes time for these guys to enjoy their retirement, do you honestly think they will be here to be collect? In fact there is evidence that all these illegals who will be non-collectors of SSN will be the saving grace of SS because though they'll be on the rolls, no one is going to be collecting.
What exactly do you do eyeonyou besides complain about this community? What are your ideas?
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