Jackon Ward Historical Society

The future of Jackson Ward is a difficult thing to watch if you know a little about old, real old, Richmond.  What once was one of the wealthiest communities for African-Americans now is home to a disproportionate amount of unproductive adults and teenagers elementary school kids who identify their residence there in a relatively depressing way.  How is this done?  Well, there are those who vandalize and litter on the land as if the area was assigned to be a garbage dump.  Others use porches and alleys as thoroughfares for narcotic transactions that parallel the hopelessness that is associated with J-Dub.  And although the [documented] murder rate is not anywhere near the level it was in the '90s, homicides still promote a grim outlook of this once vibrant area.  These certainly are serious problems, but in my opinion the paramount issue concerning this neighborhood can be seen through the methods of communication and the lack of manners from its most precious resource, the adolescents.  With the way in which some choose to socialize, it's clear they don't recognize the pride that comes with their existence. 

Another Project for the Projects

When talking about what is commonly called the 'projects', I prefer to use the term 'public housing community.'  But for the sake of this topic, I'll revert back to the term 'projects'.

If a person was to visit Calvert Square (a project in Norfolk) and go into the administrative offices, after signing in as a visitor and sitting down to wait for their appointment they more than likely would notice a big laminated sign that lists some rules for Calvert Square residents.  This Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority-issued sign outlines certain bylaws that address how a resident keeps his or her yard, when they should collect their trash cans, how long clothes can be left on the clothes line, and other items.  My office is located in the Calhoun Family Investment Center, in a Richmond project called Gilpin Court.  The staff there have nicely placed a sign on the door that tells residents they are not allowed in the building while wearing sleepwear (pajamas, doo-rags, slippers, etc.).  Many of you may have heard that several of the nations' housing authorities (Portsmouth being one of them) have banned smoking within resident units.  And there is serious consideration being given to having welfare recipients drug tested to qualify for the food stipend.  Are the project czars really trying to clean up the 'hood?  Are government officials actually taking action against the [perceived] negativity that exists in the projects?  Is this really happening?

Requested Tolerance

Under the hot North Richmond sun last Saturday I had a conversation that I've been involved with for possibly the past 5 years.  A group of us were participating in a RRHA event that allowed us to meet and greet many community residents, leaders, and pseudo-politicians; as well as hear the terrific talents of the city's youth and the unintended humor of the events' master of ceremony.  As associated with the [relative] ignorance of the traditional Baptist, the MC hit us with unforgettable terms such as "Ms. Barak" and statements like "Adam told his children to get to work after he was kicked out of the garden (contrarily, scripture details that Adam didn't have kids when he got banned from the garden of Eden)".  Still, she kept it as Christian as she could.  In between her remarks were performances from a youth choir and a men's quartet that furthered the notion of celebrating Jesus.  Around the time the quartet came on, one of my associates said something like, "I don't like it when people shove Jesus down my throat."  I was not at all surprised that a Christian would say that, as I know of several elders who proclaim that we shouldn't "beat people over the head with the Bible."  I also know of other Christians who seem to feel the same way.  So while it's not shocking, it is hard for me to understand. 

The Players Guide to Beating the NCAA

Does anyone remember when Allen Iverson was driving a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class during his sophomore and final year at Georgetown University?  When he was two years removed from jail in Hampton and when he led the Hoyas to a Sweet 16 appearance?  Ahhh, the good ol' days; when star college athletes could get comped for their on-field or on-court skills and very few people (or anybody in most cases) would say a word.  I'll bet some of you who are reading this never even knew Chuck had a Bubble Eye Benz while in school.  But if you do some research (google can't help you with this) you may find some of your other favorite former colligiete ball players were driving fancy also.  Terrell Pryor (Ohio State University quarterback) is the new athelte with the hot whip.  Actually, the whip isn't that hot--it's a Nissan 300Z; but it'll do just fine for reporters who need to enhance a story.  Honestly, he's talented enough to push the GT-R.  At any rate, Prior turned into the target of a NCAA investigation after a variety of violations.  More media, Twitter, and most importantly, more money has made what use to be an easy cash-for-service move into a huge mess.  How did this happen?  It doesn't matter.  Because your boy has the guide to make sure all you blue-chippers live good while earning your favorite school millions.  Note: If you walked onto your team and did not get a full scholarship, this is not for you.