By Special to the AFRO
BALTIMORE, Oct. 21, 2022 – South Baltimore’s Cherry Hill community yesterday marked another important step forward in its multi-year, holistic strategy of transformation and revitalization with the opening of new offices for Cherry Hill Strong, a nonprofit “community quarterback” organization. In a brief ceremony and reception for community leaders and residents, Cherry Hill Strong Executive Director Zeevelle (“Z”) Nottingham-Lemon was joined by event guests in a ceremonial office grand opening at the organizations new 2,500 sq. ft. headquarters located at 606 Cherry Hill Road Baltimore, MD 21225, on the second level of the town center plaza. The offices and community marketplace will serve as a central convening space where community leaders will come together as they continue progress on the “pillars” of the transformation effort: affordable housing, prenatal-to-college and career education, and wellness and economic vitality.
“This is about much more than just opening our doors,” said Nottingham-Lemon. “We come together to celebrate tangible evidence of our commitment to realizing a shared vision of self-determined transformation in Cherry Hill. And at the center of both our vision and our strategy is the wise voice of the people of this strong, historic, Black community. The lively conversations and long meetings that will take place in this space will strengthen our efforts and accelerate our progress towards the thriving future every member of the Cherry Hill community deserves.”
Cherry Hill Strong is funded by a variety of grants and it serves as the organization designated to coordinate the work of residents and partner organizations who are committed to implementing the Cherry Hill Transformation Plan using a strategy modeled on the Atlanta-based Purpose Built Communities (PB Communities) initiative. There are now 27 PB Communities-affiliated neighborhoods pursuing their own place-based, holistic transformation initiatives. Baltimore’s Cherry Hill community seeks to become the 28th, and the establishment of a robust “community quarterback” organization is a critical part of that process. Cherry Hill Strong works closely with the Cherry Hill Community Coalition, Cherry Hill Development Corporation, Baltimore City Public Schools, the Dream BIG Foundation and countless other partner organizations.
“This is about taking another important step forward,” said Cherry Hill Development Corporation Executive Director Mike Middleton. “People should see this as part of the larger vision that we have been progressing toward for some time.”
Cherry Hill Community Coalition Chair Peggy Jackson-Jobe noted that an important role for Cherry Hill Strong is to help unite the community.
“When we all work independently, progress is slow,” said Peggy Jackson-Jobe. “But when we are together; when we speak with one, powerful voice and share one vision, we will achieve our goals. Opening this center brings us together today, and into the future.”
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