2/1: From Minority to Majority

Imagine Flatbush 2030: A Community Visioning Project

The confluence of the 100th anniversary of Grand Central Terminal with the passing of former Mayor Edward Koch on February 1, suggests a new way to celebrate Black History Month. Specifically, I am referring to the following question, "How should the history of Americans of color be remembered by the Flatbush community?"

Despite the national narrative deployed to describe the accomplishments of our civil rights leaders, relevance to the urban environment is lacking. For instance, how is the work of Martin or Malcolm connected to the city? How can urban inhabitants distill these achievements to make sense of and grapple with immanent issues? Simply put, what is the meaning and implication of Black History for those of us who live in the city?

A closer examination of the strategy of our leaders reveal that without community organizing, the elevation of a local issue to the national stage would've been impossible (or nearly so) to accomplish. The formation of an organization provided the vision and ritual to guide members to individual transformation and collective action. Organizing and planning was indispensable to the struggle for equality.

 

The expansion of equity and access to all Americans is not just a national ideal; it is a community imperative. Imagine Flatbush 2030 represents such an effort by shareholders in the Flatbush community to further the development of equity and access. Such a strategic approach allows the consolidation of ideas into a singular plan that can be executed.

The commencement of Black History Month 2013 on 2/1 ought to be a time to review on Imagine Flatbush 2030 to ensure that we can profit from the gains of the civil rights movements so that we can see ourselves not as a minority community but a community of majority.