Dallas South News Wire

Dallas, TX – As South Dallas is poised for several major developments, many residents are questioning how the community will benefit from the changes just around the corner.

A coalition of organizations, headed by IKOJA and Hip Hop Government, seek to answer that question through a series of workshops called Unify South Dallas in upcoming months.

The goal of the workshops is to create synthesize several years of visioning projects, action plans and proposed improvements by consolidating the various efforts for community benefit.

The workshops are designed to help residents:

• Learn about projects that are actually in development or under consideration
• Understand the potential of each project to improve the lives of people in South Dallas
• Demand  public investments that will make those projects possible

“We want every organization working or planning to work in South Dallas included in these meetings,” said Cherelle Blazer, member of IKOJA. “We have a great deal of respect for the residents, business and organizations involved, many of whom have successful and vital programs right now. The goal is to magnify those efforts.”

The workshops will also be an opportunity for organizations that focus on community revitalization to work together, which organizers say is key to ensure South Dallas benefits from upcoming developments.

“All the plans have a common purpose — to improve the economic and housing vitality of South Dallas,” said Jim Slaughter, President, Fair Park Merchants Association. “This forum is a way each group can share their vision with each other in a neutral environment.

 “Timing is critical, we can’t delay another day,” said Hank Lawson. “There are far too many big dollar projects proposed and underway that will impact South Dallas . We need to move immediately to better understand how these projects will benefit our community.”

What is Unify South Dallas ?

Unify South Dallas is a coalition of organizations working to harness the power of residents, organizations and businesses, into a unified voice for community revitalization.

Our work will focus on these areas:

-           Educating the community on plans and development projects and how they impact South Dallas

-           Creating an environment for leadership, businesses and organizations to dialogue about working together

-           Promoting sustainable economic development, job creation and community revitalization that will benefit the residents of South Dallas

-           Promoting transparency and accountability of our leadership

-           Respecting the past and present efforts and traditions of those who work on behalf of our community

For more information, please contact:

Walter “Changa” Higgins, IKOJA

214-404-3824

           

Jeremy Scroggins, Hip Hop Government

214-664-5550 

 

Hank Lawson

214-893-7158

 Photo courtesy of EveryStockPhoto.com