There is one, very positive thing that members of the community and members of the neighborhood can do to help increase the number of vendors at the Edgewood Farmers Market: Lobby Vanguard Realty, the property managers of 4th & Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center, to allow the PCDC Edgewood Farmer's Market have a wider variety of vendors. Our current agreement does not allow us to have sell fresh fish, meats, chicken or eggs because they think we will be in competition with a yet-to-be-open grocery store.
Instead of bickering on the listserv, why not help us to do someting constructive. We specifically wanted to be at 4th & Rhode Island Avenue because of its proximity to Edgewood Terrace, therefore this is the compromise we made. We hope you can help us to advocate for more diverse vendors. Thanks in advance.
Hazel
-----Original Message-----
From: Rob <indianrob@gmail.com>
To: ward5 <ward5@yahoogroups.com>; Ward 5 Google Groups <wardfive@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sat, Sep 29, 2012 7:15 pm
Subject: [WardFive] Re: [ward5] Re: Hypocrites and Crypto Racism
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-- From: Rob <indianrob@gmail.com>
To: ward5 <ward5@yahoogroups.com>; Ward 5 Google Groups <wardfive@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sat, Sep 29, 2012 7:15 pm
Subject: [WardFive] Re: [ward5] Re: Hypocrites and Crypto Racism
Good Evening Ward 5,
Finally had time to Troll on this one.
Luke - Really dude. Thanks for thinking my eyes are closed and not knowing who the "newcomers" are.
Speaking from a GENERAL PERSPECTIVE - let me clue you in. When we as a Black Community talk about newcomers, we are not really talking about Blacks moving in. For the longest time, Blacks have been the core/majority of the City so we just look at them as returning home. And before you say that some of the Black Newcomers didn't live here before, allow me to teach you - being Black is being part of a huge Family - kind of like a Fraternity and Sorority - Black folks want to see other Black folks moving into the city.
Now, because Black Folks are much more welcoming than whites (in my perspective), Black folks welcome Whites as their neighbors and family members much easier than Whites accept Blacks. The difference is that if the situation is reversed, White folks tend to not welcome Blacks into their community. We almost get a suspicious, maybe even a criminal scrutiny while we don't scrutinize you other for when you start to want to form new groups over existing ones, without even trying to be part of the existing ones - then comes the WHY??.
The word Gentrification - while Blacks know that Gentrification is an inclusive term based on economics, we realize that the ratio of Whites to Blacks as part of the "gentrification Movement" is WAY MUCH HIGHER - and also Includes Gays - and that then goes into a different stratus as far as the likelihood of having higher pay and even the likelyhood of having more disposable income for lack of having kids - another day and time for that. So, we have somewhat evolved the word without permission of Mr. Webster.
It is like when we say "White" but not mean "all" Whites but the %%% is so high of Whites who range from low to high in "imperial/racial prejudicial/entitled/racist thinking that we feel comfortable in using the word in a general sense - yet we know that there are some Whites out here like a Mr. Peloquin (Jerry), an Eric (indc) as well as a Jeff(inDC) and others.
Now for the word Newcomers. To Whites, this means all new residents. To Blacks, this means Whites (for the truly most most part). The reason for this is because when Blacks move in, they fit hand in glove into our already existing Culture and community - like they have been here forever or just returning ---- it is the extension of the Black Family due to a common denominator - a similar struggle when it comes to Whites and the treatment received - except Mrs. KPW.
When Whites move in, it is like a fish out of water especially when it comes to understanding the needs of our community vs. their wants. This is further proven by so many who spout off on this list serv with the things that I and others have pointed out and the fact that so many new groups pop up like we don't have existing groups that White folks could join if they really wanted to be part of this "Diverse" community. IE. PCDC and FORIA. Now, Brookland Bridge, etc. I personally don't have an issue with any of the organization but to hear we only want to focus on the "positive things" says the other important items aren't really their concerns and what affects us is really not their concern - like someone telling me that Rhode Island Ave is kind of far from 12th Street that's why they didn't speak up for the Cafe against the Padous; but personally, you (Rob) and the Cafe were treated unfairly. Really!! Like I said, not that important to them until one day it turns on them like Guy Brandenburg and his Cries this week.
1. Monroe Stree Market - No one really opposed the Monroe Street Market for anything else other than the Height. The original height was way out of proportion for Brookland and this is not DOWNTOWN. Also, you didn't live here before in a 100+ year old home across the street and so that is the original neighbors right to be concerned about the changes and height. But Mr. Peloquin can speak more on this
2. a. So if you don't know the term gentrification, the word might not be "pushed out" but encouraged out and promised out may be better - like moving folks from a rental place, promising them return but that never occurring or building places with 10% "affordable" housing but affordable to Who??, and like the all the Building with Jobs going out of the City -- it is all part of the Gentrification circle. So you know, the majority of people moving out are moving from homes that are being renovated and upgraded. So gentrification is occurring based on the fact that the last 30 years happened and the current slick CM and Developers being in bed together, took and has and is taken its toll, depleted Brains/education, drugs, lack of jobs, contract awards etc. and some folks are not positioned to stay
b. No one is labelling folks who move out as "sell outs" or "Uncle Toms"!! I think you need to find out what those things mean. Definitely don't get too comfortable with your tongue.
3. a. The lack of development cry in Ward 5 based on racial descrimination was not for these Huge Developments. Let's get that Straight. Our lack of Development was based on our Schools, Groceries Stores and Infrastructure. Things that areas that predominantly Whites got. Just look at the interior of the schools and even Rec. Centers in Wards 5,7,8 compared to others.
b. The reality is that the land that the Catholic Church got and paid no taxes on for years is now being profited and while we get increase in a Tax Base, we don't have any level of partnership as far as negotiating our Buildable space.
c. Had no one stood up, the development would have been truly Double the Size while this size or lower still got the needs of the neighborhood met and the University. --- Developers profit most!!
d. We all support Monroe Street Market at a smart level and recognizes what you do - so What!!
4. a. Racism is branded about because we see it. You don't get affected by it but trust and believe if you were flamboyantly Gay, you would be targeted and maybe you could better relate.
b. Probably not many of us know who anyone is however, we do get a really good picture formed by the terms used, the mentality. Like I said, there are certain things that Blacks just don't say.
c. I hope you got that her statement wasn't innocuous from reading her attempt at clarification.
d. People are not called names initially. Take a look back at most of the conversations and you will see (for the most part) that there are often from the same perpetrator. Often times, we do try to inform/educate but that often comes up with resistance and others jumping in to lend their also warped thoughts. How often have I and others identified issues and there has been no "apologies". How many times are people going to avoid identifying the perpetrators? How many times do I have to expose the Padous for what they are? Silence from Whites. Blacks already know. That's why when Mr. Peloquin says things, the same exact things that I am and have been saying, you can't call him a Racist - but are quick to call me one.
LAST - WE ARE FOCUSED on the ISSUES. The core of the issue is RACISM, IMPERIALISM, ENTITLEDISM!!! It is the core of every single issue we are having. Putting one's wants over others needs. The question is WHY DO YOU AND OTHERS KEEP AVOIDING that RACISM IS THE ISSUE. If it is not, then why not let's have that discussion.
I will address the other email later regarding the Racism in China and India, etc.
Rob Ramson
On Sep 28, 2012 1:34 PM, "dcluke@ymail.com" <dcluke@ymail.com> wrote:
-- 1) Not all of these "newcomers" are white. I live in the EYA Chancellor's Row development (adjacent to St. Paul's) and there are many black families who live there. We also have white families with children and even white people who have moved into the affordable workforce homes. I've spoken to most of my Chancellor's Row neighbors and have yet to meet a single one who is opposed to the Monroe Street Market.
2) Many wealthy black professionals have opted to move into the suburbs rather than live in historically black neighborhoods in DC. There are black homeowners who are selling their homes at a healthy profit and leaving for the quiet suburban life. Not everyone who is leaving DC is pushed out by gentrification. Many people leaving the city are exercising their right to live in a community that they believe is most suitable for their families and they should be able to do so without being labeled "sellouts" or "Uncle Toms."
3) For years, the lack of development in Ward 5 was decried as a form of racial discrimination. That development is finally here. When we have mixed use developments, an arts district, a more diverse socio-economic mix, more shopping and dining, it will be harder to make Ward 5 the dumping ground for DC's undesirable or experimental projects, such as medical marijuana.
I support Monroe Street Market and believe that it will enhance the quality of life for our neighborhood. Instead of the ugly concrete dorms and litter strewn vacant lots that existed before construction, we will have shopping, dining, and a vibrant arts community. I am hopeful that the enhanced lighting and public presence will serve to decrease violent crimes in the area.
As for McMillan, the priority needs to be resolving the flooding in Bloomingdale and making certain that the congestion on North Capital is addressed.
4) The "racism" label is bandied about much too freely by some in our community. I have no idea who Allison Stewart is and what her motive was in asking her question, which seemed innocuous enough. But I can tell you that some people are reluctant to even engage on this listserv because they will be harassed and harangued and called names. We will not be able to have a productive conversation when every slight, real or perceived, is taken as a sign of racism, crypto-racism, self-hatred or whatever. Let's pull back on the name calling and focus on the issues.
--- In ward5@yahoogroups.com, jeromepeloquin@... wrote:
>
> Citizen's of Ward Five
>
> It is my belief that this Yahoo Group needs to perform a deep and
> comprehensive examination of conscience (A uniquely Catholic concept).
> We should look into our collective hearts and ask ourselves, are we
> part of the solution or part of the problem? We need to consider the
> entire Ward 5 community and not just Edgewood, or Brookland or,
> whatever! We need to realize accept and yes, celebrate the cultural
> and social differences that are the basis of a plural culture such as
> we are blessed to have here in Washington DC. We need to come together
> ... not pull apart. People in Brookland need to be concerned about
> the people in close proximity to McMillan and the McMillan folks need
> to care for what happens to the resident adjacent to 901 Monroe.
>
> The last few years have been fraught with strife and conflict. Many of
> us opted for development at any cost. Anyone who used the term, "Smart
> Development," was branded a reactionary. As a result the developers
> and the large land owners (CUA, The Paulists) have been able to
> abrogate almost every agreement made in their one-sided, takeover of
> the center of Brookland. CUA was allowed to "warehouse," and tear down
> decent housing and sit on it for years waiting for this moment to "cash
> in." All of the religious orders who were given property here in
> Brookland are now getting ready to follow their lead. The result will
> most likely be devastating to this community.
>
> The divide between the long time largely African American community and
> the new, largely white, upward mobile young marrieds and others is
> growing and becoming very uncomfortable. This is especially evident in
> some of the rhetoric used on this List serve here in Ward 5. I am
> speaking specifially about the comments made about the nascent farmer's
> market being developed. Hazel Thoma is working diligently to create a
> farmers market, This is not an easy task. It took the Brookland
> Market a long time to get it together. I know because I used to play
> drums there when it was at Col Brooks Mansion. Only in the last year
> or so has it really taken off. Persistence is a key and Hazel has that
> for sure. Instead of supporting her, Allison Stewart asked a
> rhetorical and pointedly snide question, implying that Hazel's new
> farmers' market was too small and lacking resources!
>
> I don't know about you folks but I think that is an obvious insult to
> Hazel and to this community in general ... there will no doubt be loud
> cries of ... Oh, no, I just wanted to know who would be there this
> week! Ms. Stewart's comment is an obvious and obnoxious attempt at
> sarcasm, an attempt to belittle the efforts a long time community
> activist and exemplary citizen who is trying to improve the quality of
> life in this community! AND ...it ain't right!
>
> I'm signing off for now, but I'm not done!
>
> I'll be back!
>
> Jerry in Indignation
>
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