 |
|
|
|
::To those that led and shared the struggle before or with us, may you continue to walk in the light::
The struggle is eternal. The tribe increases. Somebody else carries on... Ms. Ella Jo Baker |
|
Cushing L. Dolbeare (1926-2005) photo by Robert Burgess
According to her research, about a third of all United States citizens (as many as 95 million people) still face deficiencies in housing. This huge number echoes in the cities, rural and suburban neighborhoods where these families live—including here in Shaw. Their voices go unheard as a stalwart advocate passes into the next life. ONE DC (formerly Manna CDC) honors Cushing for her courage and steadfastness. She put herself on the line for many families who still remain voiceless. In her honor, we remain committed to long term affordable housing for poor and working families in the Nation’s Capital. We also join in the struggle with families throughout nation and the world who need a safe, decent, and affordable home to raise their children. Dominic Moulden, executive director of ONE DC, when asked about Cushing’s contributions to the affordable housing movement simply replied, “She was a voice crying out in the wilderness and she dared to be heard." According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s most recent figures, housing in the District of Columbia is more costly than that in any state in the nation. Cushing Dolbeare will be missed in this city. |
|
|
A Tribute to James Forman (1928-2005)
The values and projects we carry out today as a progressive community development corporation rooted in organizing are firmly planted in the conviction, leadership and spirit of SNCC organizers such as James Forman. We humbly pay tribute to him for giving meaning and exercising “leadership on the line.” He exposed himself and his life to the hard test of living a life dedicated to JUSTICE. His beliefs and work were not in vain, though there is still much progress to make in these United States. Today we are also inspired by his “organizational genius,” as described by so many of his peers, as we further build ONE DC as a rooted community-led organization. Sadly, it is always easy to speak about rights and justice without putting such principles into practice or to dilute them to gain acceptance in mainstream society. We honor Dr. James Forman because he exemplified the courage and discipline to practice what we are preaching while living a lifestyle that respected all people’s human rights.
In our work, we move forward strategically
thanks to your example, Dr. Forman—straight strength.
|
|
|
|
Some
people called her the ‘Rosa Parks’ of housing. She was a mighty
figure in the low income-housing arena. She managed to influence Congress
and build coalitions of labor organizations, human rights groups and the
general public while crusading for fair housing laws and rights for the
working poor. 