Washington, D.C., May 14, 2024 – During a recent meeting of the Goldwater IMPACT Club, discussions centered on developing practical tools to assist Afro-/Indigenous communities in safeguarding their cultural and economic sustainability. The presentations by Jerome D. Smalls and Charles E. Morrison, the inaugural Goldwater IMPACT Fellow, emphasized community-led solutions and sustainable urban development, including Community Land Trusts (CLTs).
Building on the innovative groundwork Cameron Benson and Kalif Robinson laid during April's meeting in Fernandina Beach, FL, Morrison and Smalls expanded on these socio-economic models. Their focus on CLTs and urban planning addressed mechanisms to counteract gentrification, economic disparity, and the literal displacement of communities.
A. Prince Albert III, President of Goldwater Ventures and Director of the Goldwater IMPACT Club, highlighted the integration of these efforts, stating, "Jerome and Charles's presentations build naturally on the strategies discussed by Cameron and Kalif last month. They are crafting a cohesive blueprint that bridges the gap between social justice theory and practical applications, ensuring that communities can protect their cultural and economic sustainability."
Caleb Peddie, Director of the Goldwater IMPACT Club, reflected on the continuity and impact of these discussions: "The foundational discussions initiated by Cameron and Kalif have allowed Jerome and Charles to introduce actionable strategies. These strategies enable communities to envision and actively construct their futures, turning theoretical discussions into tangible realities."
Jerome discussed the real-life application of these strategies in Liberty Hill, a historic community in North Charleston with a profound history of African-American independence and land ownership. He highlighted the current challenges of economic disenfranchisement and development pressures, proposing using CLTs to maintain affordable housing and community control.
Charles provided a detailed technical and theoretical framework for implementing CLTs, showcasing successful models from Puerto Rico that have secured land rights and improved housing stability for marginalized communities. His presentation articulated the role of CLTs in protecting community lands from speculative pressures and fostering long-term stewardship.
Under Albert’s purview, these research projects and presentations are moving the group toward co-authoring a comprehensive toolkit for communities like Liberty Hill, which faces urban development pressures and cultural erasure. These tools are designed to empower communities to dictate their own development paths sustainably and inclusively.
The Goldwater IMPACT Club warmly welcomed Marquiese L. Wrenn to the SIG Team 6 cohort. Wrenn brings a wealth of experience from his 18-year career as an NYC ironworker, having contributed to constructing and refurbishing New York City's most iconic structures, such as the World Trade Center, Yankee Stadium, RFK Bridge, and Lenox Hill Hospital. Wrenn is also the founder of Unforgettable Loyalty, a socially conscious fashion brand that sources local NYC talent, providing them with opportunities in elevated fashion. His dual expertise in both heavy industry and the creative economy enables him to add a distinctively unique perspective to the club’s initiatives. "Marquiese has literally built and tunneled the world’s capital; his professional experiences and innovative spirit are invaluable to our community-building projects," noted A. Prince Albert III, highlighting the breadth of skills and vision Marquiese brings to the team.
The Goldwater IMPACT Club is diligently working towards finalizing its community empowerment toolkit. This toolkit merges practical applications with strategic planning, creating culturally relevant and economically sustainable solutions. As the team continues its work, it remains dedicated to the intersection of technology and cultural sustainability, aiming to produce tools that meet communities’ current and future needs.
Citation
Goldwater Ventures, Shaping Tomorrow: Goldwater IMPACT Club's May Meeting focused on Strategic Urban Planning and Cultural Sustainability for Afro-/Indigenous Communities (May 14, 2024), www.goldwaterventures.info/post/shaping-tomorrow-goldwater-impact-club-s-may-meeting-focused-on-strategic-urban-planning-and-cultur.
References
Goldwater IMPACT Club, https://www.goldwaterventures.info/outreach/.
Goldwater Ventures, IMPACT Club April Meeting Explored New Economic Systems & IP Innovations (April 15, 2024), https://www.goldwaterventures.info/post/impact-club-april-meeting-explored-new-economic-systems-ip-innovations/.
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