Developing a green initiative within the community is often to travel a rocky, winding trail. Only with dogged perseverance is the Green Standard raised. As one great philosopher said, “Righteous persistence brings reward.” Such is the case with Activist Cheryl Minor and the small band at the Fred Samuel houses.
Nearly frustrated to the point of disbanding; new energy has been breathed into their struggle to overcome Ecological with apathy, overload, and inertia among NYCHA (public housing) residents and the surrounding neighbors. The impetus was a recent meeting with NYCHA’s progressive Commissioner Hon. Margarita Lopez.
We now have a call from their Uptown Harlem Green Committee to greening activists to Rally in support of them. With all the jawing about the conversion of pre-war buildings for higher income residents (i.e. gentrification); it would seem to be a no-brainer to show active support for improving the most ambitious reuse of such properties in Harlem.
If one doesn’t know who Mr. Samuel was; or his place in the history of Harlem political Giants: then one may not see how crucial support for resident action at the housing and Green sites that bear his name are. For those; who do know; there’s no excuse for not lending material support to Cheryl (Poet) Minor and the Upper Harlem Green Committee.
A few links:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/records/html/features/blackhistory.shtml
http://www.blogger.com/profile/00709755132323652010
Cheryl recently wrote to all activists: Any service, advice, support you can give would to help the Green Committee would be greatly appreciated.
1) Green Committee Meeting Date
Fred Samuel Community Center, 2nd Floor
669 Lenox Avenue between West 143rd St & West 144th St
Monday, May 16
5:30pm-6:30pm
*Meetings opened to Fred Samuel residents and public/community.
2) Playground-West 143rd Street between 7th Ave & Lenox Ave
Green Committee Cleaning & Planting
Saturday’s – May 14, May 21
9am-11am
*Need cleaning equipment & plants & materials.
Contact: Cheryl Minor Work-718-433-3187
Can we at Carrie McCracken TRUCE send a contingent to help out?
Carrie McCracken TRUCE Community Garden 