Page 15 - Florida Sentinel 4-16-21

Feature
Economic Development For West Tampa Is On The Mind Of This West Tampa Resident
Urban League Of Hillsborough County 2021 Summer Reading Program
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Dwight Bolden, a life- time West Tampa resident, is concerned about his commu- nity. Things are not like they ‘used’ to be, and that con- cerns him.
“Economic development in the Black community is non-existent. Gentrification is taking over – moving our people out of their communi- ties. Let’s look at Central Park, Belmont Heights, West Tampa, Hyde Park. The peo- ple who once called these communities their homes and the family businesses that once were prosperous, are no more – it’s not for Black people anymore. A race of people has been taken out – removed from their begin- nings.”
There are 4 components, he says, that are necessary to keep the African-American community going: residen- tial ownership, faith- based connections, business and education.
Faith-based: “We have Black churches all over these communities who can pour into economic develop- ment.But the communities are being disrupted and the families are not there to sup- port the churches.”
Education: “There are no college opportunities in the community for our chil- dren. There was a time teach- ers were committed and concerned. They helped our children get into college.
“They called our schools of the ‘60s and ‘70s inferior, but we got the same quality education from caring teach-
ers. Kids in K-12 grades are not being taught about their history.”
Business Develop- ment/ Home Ownership: Bolden said he's communi- cating with Stanley Gray of the Hillsborough County Urban League, and Tampa Housing Authority officials about economic develop- ment. He also uses his inter- net radio show, “Community Rap With Dwight Bolden,” to talk about the changes taking place in the community with the involvement of a limited number of African Ameri- cans. There is a lot of building going on, but just a few of us (Blacks) are invited to these meetings they’re having as they continue tearing down our communities. When they rebuild most of our folks don’t return – can’t afford to return.
“We need to set up a fund to construct buildings for our people to use and host their events. And, we need to pur- chase property for continued growth, where we can build houses and apartments,” Bolden said. “Because we don’t have anything left, we forgot how to pass the torch.”
The Urban League of Hillsborough County (ULHC) is hosting a Book Report contest for the read- ing of “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson. Rising High School Seniors, graduating Class of 2022 are invited to participate.
The reports will be sub- mitted to the ULHC and judged by several commu- nity leaders and journalists. The prize is $1,000.00 to be paid directly for college (Books or Tuition) or post- secondary training related cost.
Those interested in par- ticipating in the contest should notify the ULHC that you want to participate and compete for the schol- arship. Your submitted in- terest must be made to info@ulhc.org by May 15, 2021. Upon your notifica- tion for participation, you will be given the questions that you must address with your submission. The con- test will be completed on or before August 1, 2021. Submit your response to info@ulhc.org.
Again, please submit
your intent to participate to: info@ulhc.org or via mail to ULHC, P. O. Box 130303, Tampa, FL 33681 by May 15, 2021.
The mission of the Urban League of Hillsbor- ough County (ULHC) is to bring about and assist with the achievement of eco- nomic equity. One has to know their history in order to plan and execute an ef- fective plan for positive growth and results. It is also paramount to “Know the Game” in order to “Play the Game.”
DWIGHT BOLDEN
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 3-B