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Give people light and they will find the way.... Ms. Ella Jo Baker
ONE DC (formerly Manna CDC) completed a strategic planning development process with the help of the Achieving Excellence in Community Development Program, Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, as well as the input from Shaw residents and leaders. During this process ONE DC identified the following Overall Challenge and Performance Challenge that will drive its work for the next few years.
Overall Challenge Washington, DC—particularly the Shaw community—is experiencing serious changes that are affecting the lives of all its residents, particularly low-income neighbors who have remained in Shaw and seen it survive massive transformations. After the legacy of racial and economic segregation, the lasting impact of civil unrest and resistance, and decades of intentional neglect by property owners, banks, investors, and the City, Shaw is at the end of 40 years of disinvestments and speculative investment by outside parties. Redevelopment and gentrification are now bringing needed resources, development and new neighbors to Shaw, but this often comes at the expense of current and low-income residents. Overall, such new changes have the capacity to transform this community into something that will benefit and connect all its residents. But these new resources are not controlled by low-income residents, and they are coming at the continued cost of their livelihood and health. ONE DC finds itself with a strong opportunity to become a catalyst that builds the capacity of long-time, low-income residents as well new wealthier ones to exercise their political rights to change such trends, and ensure that the values of Equitable Development and justice are exercised. Such a model would create a new voice in the District of Columbia, a city devoid of a rooted grassroots and progressive organizing history. |
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Performance Challenge Exercise political strength to continually preserve economic and racial equity in Shaw.
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