Church Reprieve Heightens Community
BY DAVID STOKES
A miracle took place last week, according to some northwest Atlanta parishoners, upon a local bank breaking its resolve to foreclose on a Vine City church that fell victim to the 2009 hurricane which crippled parts of Atlanta.
The Higher Ground Empowerment Center, formerly Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in the heart of Vine City on Spencer Street, SW, has been released from its three-year entanglement with BB&T bank after both sides came to an amicable agreement in which the Empowerment Center/church will be allowed to maintain its 108 year old legacy at the facility near the Georgia Dome at Northside and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Bank officials returned the Center's deed, as well as approved a 30-year, $175,000 mortgage loan, with one percent interest. "We've been made whole again!," Rev. Dexter Johnson, the Center's leader, cried out during a community press conference (Jan. 17). Johnson, a 48 year old native Atlantan who was reared in the Collier Heights community, also praised Rainbow PUSH and Occupy Atlanta protesters for assisting in the endeavor.
Rainbow PUSH, led by regional director Joe Beasley, and Occupy Atlanta coordinator Tim Franzen moved for a meeting between Rev. Johnson and bank officials, including its Atlanta area president, Brant Stanridge. The gathering two weeks ago took place hours after a Fulton Co. judge approved dispossessory action for the church's eviction. However, "we could not allow the Vine City community to slip further into the abyss," said Occupy Atlanta's Franzen, expounding on the group's involvement with the possible church's dilemma. "That church is doing solid work in the community; they needed a voice," Franzen stated. "We're glad BB&T did the right thing. Occupy Atlanta will keep fighting for churches and homeowners against criminal predatory loans and bank policies. When the people need their bailout," Franzen concluded, "we need the banks to be there." Rev. Johnson ultimately appreciated the meeting which brought possession of Higher Ground and ten other parcels back to original ownership where the Empowerment Center is set to continue "to remain a beacon of light; we will still lead even as we may bleed." The Empowerment Center/church will soon reschedule plans to erect a youth center, an apartment complex, senior facility, et al, all within Vine City as "we grow forming an oasis of hope" for the area's underprivileged and downtrodden. The tornado of 2008 was a deterrent for enhancement and achievement; however, "we're still growing, and we will build the vision" to assist all God's children, Rev. Johnson declared. A community partnership with North Carolina-based BB&T will lend financial and other assistance for the church's growth, Johnson stated. "Our faith is stronger than ever," the 18-year pastor proclaimed.
"Solidarity does work. We're just seeking all opportunities to keep buildiing the kingdom of God. We're still growing as an oasis of hope for the community," Johnson exclaimed. "Vine City will indeed rise again like the phoenix."
Senator Visits Local Octegenarian
Atlanta – U. S. Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia personally delivered a birthday greeting from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to 100 year-old, Maebell Albert Reeves at the Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center this week. Mrs. Reeves worked for the Isakson family for nearly 40 years and helped to raise Sen. Isakson and his two siblings in Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Reeves turned 100 years old on January 3, 2012 and celebrated with 193 family members and friends, including Sen. Isakson, at a party at the Harriett G. Darnell Center last Saturday. When Sen. Isakson mentioned to President Obama that he would be attending the birthday celebration for Mrs. Reeves, Mr. Obama insisted on sending birthday greetings to Mrs. Reeves as well. The President’s letter noted, “Your story is an important thread in the fabric of America and as you reflect upon a century of memories, may your contributions and accomplishments fill you with joy and pride.” Commenting on her secret to long life, Mrs. Reeves said, “Keep on doing the best you can and love everybody!” PHOTO COURTESY OF SADIE G. MAYS HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER
Civil Rights Activists Re-Joins Joins
The Executive Committee of the National Board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is announcing their election of Rev. Dr. Cordy Tindell (“C.T.”) Vivian to the position of Vice President.
Chairman of the Board Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. is confident that “our leadership is now strengthened by this election of Dr. C.T. Vivian.”
Dr. LaFayette elaborated by saying, “Dr. Vivian has been my mentor since the beginning of The Movement in Tennessee. He is brilliant, captivating, and has a deep spiritual commitment to The Movement. He was a fellow Freedom Rider and a fellow cellmate. With his strong commitment to quality education for our youth, he represents the past as well as the future.”
Rev. Vivian’s civil rights record with SCLC is treasured and renowned. He was a close friend and the former National Director of Affiliates on the Executive Staff for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was also the first King staff member to write a book about The Movement entitled Black Power and the American Myth.
With Dr. King’s nephew, Isaac Newton Farris, Jr. at the helm as SCLC’s President and Dr. Vivian as his second in command, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is bringing in the New Year on a note of victory, having withstood a year that was traumatic, dramatic, and dynamic.
“I want the world to know that SCLC has bounced back,” says President Farris. “As I said at his funeral several months ago, Dr. Howard Creecy saved SCLC. Now Dr. Vivian and I are the leadership team determined and destined to revive SCLC. History will show that 2011 was SCLC’s comeback year and we thank God for his Grace and our future glory.”
With a fresh direction from new leadership, coupled with veteran wisdom, SCLC intends to plant strong roots in 2012. Venerated for its direct action achievements, SCLC is now re-branded and rejuvenated as SCLC TODAY. T.O.D.A.Y. is an acronym which means “transforming our destiny through activism and youth.”
Having won key legal battles this year—and surviving the tragic deaths of President Howard Creecy, Jr. as well as former Board Chair and Dr. Claud Young— SCLC continues to win friends and creatively build upon its historic and premier standing in the civil rights community.