1) Please state your full name and organizational affiliation
My name is Walter Dixie, and I am the Executive Director of Jubilee Homes of Syracuse Inc.
2) Please describe the work you do in the community. Where is the work done and why do they need you to do it?
Jubilee Homes of Syracuse Inc. is a community based organization whose mission is to serve as the catalyst for achieving the long-term revitalization of the southwest side of the City of Syracuse. In order to advance the agency's mission, Jubilee Homes manages several programs that address community revitalization, economic development, and youth development. Jubilee Homes primarily serves families and residents living in the Southwest Community of Syracuse which is comprised of very-low to moderate income households. Taken as a whole, the problem Jubilee Homes fights is community blight. This takes many forms, including poverty, vacant structures, disinvestment, and juvenile delinquency.
3) What are some of the political challenges you've run into when trying to achieve progress for the community?
A continual problem for Jubilee Homes is the lack of financial support and leveraged resources needed to increase organizational capacity. As well, the organization is nearly always on the receiving end of promises during campaign periods, but when resources pour into the City for neighborhood reinvestment, Syracuse's south, west, and southwest neighborhoods, which are comprised mostly of people of color, are rarely if ever on the receiving end of those resources.
4) Why do you feel that economic empowerment is important for urban America?
Since the mid 1930's Syracuse, along with cities nationwide, were subject to color-coded mapping which determined whether or not communities would receive investment. Neighborhoods that were black, Jewish or foreign-born white were considered too risky for federally backed mortgages . Thereby, disinvestment in Syracuse's Southwest Community has over decades led to urban flight, abandonment of buildings and a disheartening cycle of poverty and neglect. In order to address decades of neglect and disenfranchisement, and reverse cyclical poverty, Jubilee Homes believes that its development effort must be comprehensive. This comprehensive development must be inclusive of but not limited to the creation of sustainable jobs and the provision of education, training, development and technical assistance to small minority and women-owned businesses. We strongly believe that economic empowerment lays the foundation to achieve social justice and holistic community redevelopment.
5) What have you learned as you've gone through this experience? This experience has taught me that we cannot wait for elected officials and private investors to come to us, but that we have got to create our own economic opportunities and be aggressive in placing our community needs in front of key decision makers. I have learned that community collaboration is invaluable. Lastly, my tenure as Executive Director has also taught me that in order to successfully launch and complete development initiatives, we must make sure that neighborhood residents are educated and have significant input in shaping the vision and template for their neighborhood development.
6) What advice would you give to anyone else around the country who is thinking of doing right now?
1. Empower neighborhood residents via information and education. Make sure that the community has input in forming the vision for their own community
2. Develop meaningful collaborations with grass roots organizations, the private sector, and philanthropic entities
3. Understand and participate in regional councils that address economic development issues and make sure that "real" urban, (not just downtown) issues are on the table
4. Be sure to frame the importance of the work that you do or that is needed and align yourself politically such that elected officials see the value of this work
7) Is there anything else you'd like to share with our AOL Black Voices audience? How can they find out more about you?
Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Inc is excited to officially launch its latest development initiative in the Southwest Community for a Neighborhood Supermarket. Working together with area churches, community groups, residents as well as City and State officials, Jubilee Homes plans to develop a 35,000 sq. ft. store within the next year. Jubilee Supermarket (JS) will be a profitable full-service neighborhood supermarket that sells an array of fresh produce (whole, local and organic), meat, seafood, canned goods, dairy products as well as a diverse supply of all other household products in a cost-effective manner enabling JS to excel in serving their community. The broader goals of JS are to provide its customers a clean, safe, convenient and friendly environment in which to shop, employ neighborhood residents and address multiple food security issues. Backed by over 3,000 already committed Shoppers Club members and card holders this initiative is well on its way to a 2011 opening. For more information you may visit us www.jubilee-homes.com or you may contact our staff at 315-428-0070.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.