By Sean Yoes
Special to the AFRO
“Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being. But we have the power to respond,” stated former Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Vivek Murthy in his 2023 report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”
“By taking small steps every day to strengthen our relationships, and by supporting community efforts to rebuild social connection, we can rise to meet this moment together,” Dr. Murthy added.
In the minds of many, the administration of the 47th President of the United States has cast an even darker, longer shadow over the country, than the disastrous days of the COVID-19 pandemic that greatly augmented America’s, “epidemic of loneliness.” In the words of the former Surgeon General we need to, “strengthen our relationships…and rebuild social connection.” Perhaps, now more than ever.
In the Cherry Hill community of South Baltimore young people are leading one such effort to ensure the safety of our elders and assuage the anxiety often brought on by isolation.
The Youth Resiliency Institute (YRI), and the Switching Lanes Adult and Youth Institute (SLAYI), have partnered to implement the community-centered Cherry Hill Elder Safety Survey.
The organizations produced the survey to identify critical safety and security factors and determine the specific needs of elderly residents to provide a greater overall sense of security for them.
“Seniors find it important to share their concerns because what I don’t see, someone else does,” said 100-year old Cherry Hill resident Ernestine Brockington. “People get excited about things that they shouldn’t get excited about, instead of getting excited about things they should get excited about, and that’s safety,” added Brockington, who has received support from both YRI and SLAYI in various ways. The groups have addressed her concerns around issues of littering, loitering in front of her apartment building.
“It’s good to have someone you can turn to in a crisis,” she said. And under the safety consortium umbrella of YRI and SLAYI, elders in Cherry Hill often turn to the young people of that community.
Youth organizers from the two groups play a critical role in administering the survey in safe environments, a counter narrative to the trope of menacing young people who only trigger fear and loathing in elders. And at the same time fostering vital cross-generational engagement, which is antithetical to the isolation and loneliness that has gripped so many, young and old.
The Cherry Hill Elder Safety Survey was birthed from monthly meetings called, “Ignite! Prioritizing Elder Safety Cherry Hill Consortium.” These meetings co-organized by YRI and SLAYI, include the presence of a Southern Police District Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO), who is present to answer questions and addresses community safety concerns. During the Ignite meetings, seniors also have the opportunity to hear recordings of Southern District Baltimore Police Department Commander/Community Relations Council (CRC) meetings. It is an accommodation made for elders who may face challenges attending CRC evening meetings.
“Our Ignite…meetings attract elders from the entire Cherry Hill community, including public and private housing, different organizations and churches,” said Kin Brown-Lane, founder and executive director of SLAYI.
Brown-Lane, known as “Termite” to most, has been a resident of Cherry Hill for more than 50 years. “Some of our elders hold leadership positions in different community organizations as well,” she added. “They all have their own concerns and are all very happy to have a safe space to share those concerns.”
The Cherry Hill Elder Safety Survey was officially launched during a ceremony on Oct. 24, 2024, in honor of the birth of the late Cherry Hill resident and community organizer Madeline Wheeler Murphy.
“The dedicated efforts and undying teachings of early Cherry Hill residents, including individuals like the late Madeline Wheeler Murphy, remind us that, through shared vision and strategic organizing, any community can overcome challenges and flourish, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come,” said Fanon Hill, co-founder and executive director of the Youth Resiliency Institute (YRI).
The group, which infuses cultural enrichment with community activism, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year.
“Rites of passage is a prolific call to action,” Hill added. “Through YRI’s partnership with SLAYI, we engage elders in culturally responsive bonding rituals and ceremonies designed to honor the rich tapestry of traditions and values that each elder brings to the table.”
