Sanford Lofts Becoming a Hot Topic: Let's Stay Focused

The piece that ran in the Sanford Herald on the Sanford Lofts was never intended as a letter to the editor. I wrote that as a blog entry for my community, friends and family. I sent a link to my post to the Sanford Herald, because nothing but oppositional pieces had been written about the Sanford Lofts. I wanted to show that there was support for the project. The reporter also wanted to run the piece to show the other side of the argument. I never expected the anger and venom that came as a result.

I would like to clarify that I never said the Sanford Lofts issue is a race issue. In fact, I couldn’t care less whether the people who are against it are racists, classists or elitist. That does not matter one bit. It doesn’t even matter that those who spoke up against the project at public meetings made racists, classist and elitist comments. (Though they certainly did.)

What matters is that our local governments have not come out to explain why they are not moving on this project. In fact, at the last city commission meeting, commissioners would not even listen to those in support of the project. I don’t expect an explanation from any of the citizens as to why they don’t want the Sanford Lofts project downtown. I don’t know any of those who spoke at the meetings or wrote in response to my blog post. With all due respect, their personal beliefs don’t really matter much to me at all. But I do expect an explanation from the local government to which I pay taxes. Citizens have the right to be racist, classist and elitist. However, our government does not have the right to base its decisions on prejudice.

Florida SPECS owns the property downtown. They have the right to build whatever they want, unless the City of Sanford and Seminole County give good reasons why this property owner can not go forward. So if our governments have other reasons for being against the project, they need to state them. This was the purpose of my blog post.

County & City Could Make Sanford Lofts Dream Homes for Senior Citizens a Nightmare

Minority companies and organizations are striving and making strides toward greatness in Seminole County. Unfortunately, in one case the powers that be (and who have always been) are working to block instead of promote this achievement.

Florida SPECS is a minority-controlled, nonprofit organization that is working to improve often blighted and underserved communities across Florida. They are based in Seminole County. The organization has been recognized for helping to improve the quality of life for people in Orange, Osceola, Volusia and Duval counties. However, it is in its hometown where it seems to be least appreciated, even unwanted.

The entire board of directors from Florida SPECS is from Seminole County. Most members are from Sanford. When an opportunity to serve in Seminole County came to the operators of Florida SPECS, they jumped at it, excited to finally give back to the community in which they lived and were raised. Seminole County received funding to build housing for low income senior citizens. They sent out an announcement asking various companies and organizations to send in proposals for the project. Florida SPECS won the bid to do what became known as the Sanford Lofts Project three years ago.

Once their plans were approved, they purchased the land and got ready to commence building. However, they have had nothing but contention and strife from some members of the staffs of Seminole County and the City of Sanford ever since. They were asked to change the plans numerous times. What seemed to be unnecessary requirements were put upon them. For example, they were required to purchase insurance for the land on which the housing is to be built, before anything has been built. However, they complied with all the rules and submitted to all the requirements. Even staff from the department of Housing and Urban Development (who oversees this funding provided to the County) said the requirement to maintain insurance on an empty piece of land is ridiculous. Florida SPECS used its own money to make all the changes and purchase the land and insurance.

Why such a hassle has been given to a hometown company is a mystery. When people suggested to the members of Florida SPECS that it might be because of the color of their skin, they balked. Even when a white former government official told them that their problems were due to skin color (and even offered to take over the project for them so that it would go through more smoothly), they didn’t want to believe that this would happen in the town that they love. Even when the former mayor, Linda Kuhn blatantly said that affordable housing would attract unwanted residents, the idealistic members of Florida SPECS didn’t want to sound any alarms that would damage the reputation of Sanford and Seminole County. Kuhn and others came to a public meeting held in April of 2011 to “voice their concerns” about the project. However, their “concerns” amounted to nothing more than a litany of elitist, racist and classist attacks against the Sanford Loft Project and the very people who built and live in Sanford. These citizens said that they did not want to attract seniors or low income people to downtown. Well, exactly who do they think might be visiting the farmers markets, stores and antique shops in downtown Sanford, rich teenagers?

Now the project is in jeopardy. A deadline is looming for Florida SPECS to meet with the Sanford City Commission. They have requested to be placed on the commission meeting agenda for months. They have received no communication regarding this request. No one is talking to Florida SPECS. However, the County and the City are talking to each other. And neither seems to want Florida SPECS or certain Sanford citizens to make any progress.

Florida SPECS was looking to put up a beautiful building that would enhance downtown Sanford and attract people of all ages, races and classes. Even though the housing would be for senior citizens on fixed incomes, it will be of high quality and well kept. Seniors have already been inquiring about the facility. These people are not riff raff to be kept out. They are hard working members of society who have given to the community already. They would just like a nice place to call home in their golden years. They would love to visit the farmers market on Saturdays. I’m sure their visiting children and grandchildren would too. However, if some in the City of Sanford and Seminole County have their way, the dream for our elders will die on Monday, August 22.

If you are in support of progress, contact your city and county commissioners. Let them know that all ages are welcome and wanted in Sanford. Also, you can attend the upcoming Sanford City Commission meeting on Monday, August 22 at 7 p.m.

Seminole County Commission

District 1 (407) 665-7215 Bob Dallari
District 2 (407) 665-7205 John Horan
District 3 (407) 665-7207 Dick Van Der Weide
District 4 (407) 665-7201 Carlton D. Henley
District 5 (407) 665-7209 Brenda Carey (Chairman)

City of Sanford Commission

Jeff Triplett, Mayor, Jeff.Triplett@sanfordfl.gov
Mark McCarty, Commissioner, District 1, Mark.McCarty@sanfordfl.gov
Velma Williams, Commissioner, District 2, williamv@sanfordfl.gov
Randy Jones, Commissioner, Dsitrict 3, jonesr@sanfordfl.gov
Patty Mahany, Commissioner, District 4 pmahany@sanfordfl.gov

Representative Geraldine Thompson Says NAACP Still Has Work to Do

Florida State Representative Geraldine Thompson pointed to the recent mandatory drug testing and voter suppression bills as evidence that the NAACP still has work to do.

In her keynote address delivered at the Seminole County NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Banquet on June 4, Representative Thompson asked the question, “Are we there yet?” The answer came back as a resounding, “No.”

A local historian herself, Representative Thompson gave a timeline of historical struggles that the NAACP has fought to win. She spoke about desegregation of schools and voting rights. She told the story of July Perry, who was killed for just trying to exercise his right to vote. In 1920, an angry mob attacked Perry, hung him and filled his dead body with bullets. However, because of the NAACP, not only can blacks vote, a black president sits in the White House.

The irony is that because organizations like the NAACP have made such strides toward true justice and equality, many believe the struggle is over. However, if we become too comfortable and complacent, there is real danger that what the NAACP fought to achieve will be taken away. Mandatory drug testing for those who receive state aid is only the beginning.

Because many of us today did not live during the time when people died to vote, we take it for granted. We don’t see the significance of this right. However, the right to vote could mean the difference between whether your child is bound for college or headed to the criminal justice system. It means the difference between whether you have a caring and dedicated police force in your community or senseless murders of citizens because of rampant abuse of power. This is because elected officials make the laws that govern us. They are supposed to represent our best interests. It is up to us to make sure that they do. Voting is how we make sure they do. The mission of the NAACP is to make sure they do. It is imperative that we get involved in and support our community organizations. Representative Thompson made this call in her address. She is running for a Florida Senate seat.

Also during the banquet, three civil rights pioneers were inducted into the Seminole County NAACP Hall of Fame. Justice James Perry, Victoria Brown Smith and Dr. Velma Williams were honored for their work to bring justice to Seminole County. Justice Perry now serves as a Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. Justice Perry was unable to attend. His son, Jaimon Perry, accepted the award. Mrs. Brown-Smith is a historian and author of the book, Midway -- The Midpoint My Precious Memories Of Times Gone By. Dr. Williams is a member of the Sanford City Commission.

Central FL Women Proclaim: There is No Stopping a Woman of God

The women of Central Florida gathered in Sanford, FL for the Women's District Workshop. And when women gather for a positive purpose, the experience is bound to be transformative. The ladies who took part in this weekend conference certainly experienced a transformation of mind and spirit.

WDW is an annual conference hosted by Victory Temple of God, Inc. during the third weekend of Women's History Month. This year, the theme was "Reigniting Your Imagination and Journey of Faith." The coordinator, Alisa Grace, said she wanted the women to return to the dreams of their childhoods and believe that it is never too late for God to make those dreams come true.

Grace was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. She got her education and went into the workforce after sending her five children off to school. She is now an educational leader in Orlando. She testified of her own story to show that even though dreams might be delayed, they don't have to be forgotten.

During the conference, there were workshops, lectures and discussions to encourage women to think about, talk about and be about realizing the contents of their imaginations. Other workshop facilitators were Deitra Askew and Dr. Sandra Gallina. Askew urged the ladies to think about what it was that made them stop dreaming. She also gave tips on how to overcome those dream-killers and revive aspirations that seemed long dead. Dr. Gallina talked about how we can gain inspiration and encouragement from stories, both real and fictional. She stirred the women to tap into their own life stories to gain inspiration.

The women spoke of their childhood fantasies of becoming doctors, accountants, lawyers and corporate executives. Hopefully, the conference will awaken their inner desires and strengthen their faith and sense of purpose.

MCH is Taking Grandma Lula Worldwide

Sanford's favorite big mama just filmed her very first live DVD recording on February 26. The straight-talking, no-nonsense, keepin' it real Grandma Lula put the audience in stitches at the House of Refuge church in Sanford, FL.

She gave out advice and admonition as she cracked more than a few hilarious jokes. And it was all caught on tape. This comedic character was the brainchild and inspiration of Sanford native, Marian C. Hillery. Hillery says she came up with the character one Halloween. Her father gave her the task of giving out candy to the neighborhood kids. To make it fun, Hillery dressed up like an old church lady and came up with a funny voice. From then on, the neighborhood kids would come to the door asking for Grandma Lula. She decided to entertain her church members with the character. Before long, Grandma Lula was being requested at every church function, party, family reunion, and local community event.

Hillery has even taken Grandma Lula on the road. The character is a part of the gospel stage play, "God is Calling You a Love Story." This play makes its first stop in Jacksonville, FL on March 19. It won't be long before Sanford's favorite grandma becomes America's favorite grandma. That's because anyone who meets Grandma Lula never forgets her.

Look for upcoming events and performances from MCH. Grandma Lula will return to the airwaves on her weekly radio show on 1400 AM in Sanford. Hillery has also developed several other characters. So watch out for Roscoe Brew-ham and Little Johnny. Make sure to get a copy of the DVD. You won't be disappointed. It's a holy treat!

For more information about performances and booking or to be added to the e-mail list, contact mch_updates@ymail.com.

'Sacred Slave Stories' Moves Audience at Wayne Densch in Sanford

The Moore Dance Project expresses the pain and hope of our enslaved ancestors through dance. One of the founders of MDP, Dario Moore, read the Federal Writers’ Project and was so moved that he choreographed a creative and innovative contemporary ballet to pay tribute to the voices of slavery, "Sacred Slave Stories."

MDP spent the month of February touring with this project. They stopped at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in Sanford, FL on February 27. The dancers actually dance to the voices of the survivors, using narratives taken from the first-person accounts that can be found in the Federal Writers’ Project.

In addition to the riveting words, Moore uses spirituals, hymns and freedom songs to serve as a canvas for this beautiful expression of dance. The truth told in this performance evokes shock, sadness, hope and inspiration. Slavery is a subject people often find difficult to discuss. However, it is a subject that Americans must talk about and learn from in order to heal from the terrible wounds. MDP has found a way to teach and discuss this topic in a beautiful way.

MDP plans to continue touring with this dance. They have used and will also continue to use it in schools to teach this very important part of American history to young people. MDP was awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to do just that. In fact, Moore says "Sacred Slave Stories" meets Sunshine State Standards.

MDP is Central Florida’s first and only African-American professional dance ensemble. The company was founded in 2001 by Moore and Craig Johnson. MDP produces and practices at the Center for Contemporary Dance in Winter Park, FL. The Center for Contemporary Dance is a very diverse school with a unique social mission. They serve to educate and entertain through dance.

MDP will perform "Ahimsa" in collaboration with the Asian Cultural Association of Central Florida on May 15 at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in Sanford, FL. For more information about performances, sponsorship, classes or booking call 407-695-8366 or go to www.thecenterfordance.org.

Seminole County NAACP Celebrates Black History in Sanford Florida

The Seminole County Branch of the NAACP kicked off 2011 with an inspiring celebration of black history and a whole new crop of leaders.

The Annual Black History Celebration took place at the newly renovated Lake Monroe Old South Motel right on the waterfront of Sanford, Florida. Dr. Barbara Kirby-Bentley served as Mistress of Ceremony. Several public officials came out to support the work of the NAACP and celebrate black heritage and progress, including Commissioner Dr. Velma Williams and Interim Sanford Police Chief Steven Harriett.

Guests enjoyed great food and great entertainment. Actually, the experience at this luncheon couldn't simply be described as entertainment. It was more like church. Minister Cubit Malone sang a stirring rendition of "A Change is Going to Come." The featured speaker, Pam Powell, shook the room with her rousing message of hope.

The Seminole County NAACP branch installed its new officers and executive committee. This event provided a perfect catalyst for the important work of the NAACP.

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in America. It was formed in 1909 by an interracial group of citizens who were passionate about making America live up to its promise. The NAACP continues its work with more than 500,000 members and 2,200 branches, youth councils and college chapters.

Black History Month 2011: Is Black History Helpful or Harmful to America?

Every year during this time, there are documentaries, sitcom specials, festivals, banquets and all sorts of programs dedicated to black history. Since it began as Negro History Week in 1926, the annual observance has been controversial. The importance of it, need for it and even benefit of it have all been questioned. Even now, almost 100 years later, some refuse to observe it.

Some say Black History Month causes division and stirs up negative feelings. Opponents say since we are all Americans, we should focus on American history. Many say blacks should stop dwelling on the past and move on. I have heard some blacks say that in order for blacks to be completely integrated, accepted and appreciated in America, they will have to stop observances such as Black History Month. They say we are Americans, not black Americans, and definitely not African Americans.

Those who support the study of black history and the celebration of BHM say this study is necessary for African Americans, America and the entire world. They say African Americans have been denied their history for so long and told they are less than citizens, less than human even. They say this study is necessary for black self awareness, self esteem, confidence and achievement.

Well, black history is American history and should not be left out, though it very often is left out of text books. Also, since America is the main advocate, example and protector of freedom and democracy in the world, it is very important for Americans and the world to understand how America became free. African American history, from Africa, to slavery, to the Civil Rights Movement to the election of the first black president is an extremely integral part of gaining that freedom and securing this democracy. In fact, there should not only be Black History Month, there should be black history courses taught in high school. Black history should be thoroughly woven into the study of American history and world history.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has chosen “African Americans and the Civil War” as the theme for Black History Month 2011. This is the organization that was founded by “the Father of Black History,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson.