Community Pride
Remembering my experience as a young man of color growing up in the Fourth Ward Area of Atlanta, I
can vividly recall the abundance of community pride all around. My mother was adamant about keeping
our environment well maintained. My siblings and I performed regular yard work despite a lack of grass.
We would take our broom and sweep away trash and other debris as we smilingly gazed at the
completion of the job. Our neighbors equally took pride in their property. There was always a pair of
helping hands somewhere around if needed. It was a “real neighborhood.” It was a loving, resourceful
community. Though we did not have much it felt good living there.
It seems that from one generation to the next things change. In the eighties and nineties there were
many African American homeowners that took pride in their community. As the generations changed for
some community pride was not as prevalent. If you are in an area where community pride has
plummeted the results can be detrimental. A case in point is the Kirkwood area of Atlanta. Once a
vibrant, flourishing African American area it eventually succumbed to progress and the misgivings that
come with living in a predominantly African American, urban area. A number of people of color in
Kirkwood sold their homes for what they felt was a generous amount. Once relinquishing their
properties, the property value increased exponentially. Neighborhood demographics rapidly changed,
the results of which were significantly less people of color and more resources. Presently the area has an
abundance of coffee shops, restaurants and more. There is minimal to no trash on the streets of the
Kirkwood community and unified residents display strong community pride.
People of color can contribute much to any community where they choose to take root. It is important
for people of color to build communities focused on improving personal, economic, and environmental
issues. Let us display strong community pride. We must stop making excuses for what we are not doing
in our communities. If you see a problem, you can fix take care of it. If it is a problem that requires
resources from state or local governmental agencies, seek assistance. Continue to be consistent with
follow up until resolution. This is what community pride looks like. Set your goals towards building
vibrant, flourishing, resourceful communities. It takes a village! Thumbs up, like and share.
Marvin Dixon, Founder
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