The Room Where It Happens

As the sun settled over the west wing of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, community stakeholders of Cascade convened. There were business owners, political candidates, neighbors, public officials, and most notably, neighbors. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss grievances and solutions concerning the long and delayed construction on Cascade Road in Southwest Atlanta. It was as if the sky spoke of the mood of the people. A variation of clouds created a lining that made it nearly impossible to see the sun peering through, yet it was there.

At the start, activist Rodney Mullins convened the meeting just minutes after 6 o’clock PM, as people took their seats in the western chapel of Providence. He opened the meeting by greeting everyone and sharing that this meeting would prioritize the people of Cascade. Those of us who have bore the depths of delay, as our streets have torn tires, broken businesses and robbed residents of their fair share of neighborhood enjoyment. He then gave an update stating that there was a more private meeting than they had expected at City Hall. One in which a deal with Atlanta Mayor’s Office would “address the losses of the businesses for seven months.” Seven months seems to have been the most concrete figure mentioned. Mullin also shared that Council members Marci Collier Overstreet (representing District 11) and Andrea Boone (representing District 10) committed and delivered on writing a letter of support. “But what was missing from that letter of support was specifics,” said Mullin. The council women assured the business advocates that they see them, hear them, and that they will get more specific information to the business stakeholders.

Then, the business owners broke their silence as they came up one by one and addressed the community. Angela Ingram and husband Kyssii Ingram of Café Bartique spoke first. “I am very uncomfortable,” Angela said. She and Kysii moved to Cascade because of its legacy. Now it is a struggle to pay her employees who are a part of this community too. Kysii, a Morehouse graduate, shared of his experience in Atlanta and how he still believes is wife’s vision to do business in this community. Trinket Lewis, a leader in the movement and owner of Morelyfe Juice Co. was markedly frustrated as she shared about her investment of around $100,000 to start her business. She now struggles with once faithful customers calling and asking how they can get to her establishment, with all of the construction going on. Lewis also shared that the people who want a healthy option in her neighborhood will suffer if things don’t change quickly. “It’s just really a painful time for all of us,” she concluded. A board member of historic The Beautiful Restaurant shared that he and his fellow church members worked day and night to get their enterprise up and running in the 1970’s, and that looking at the condition of the economy on Cascade is saddening. Courtney Rucker, owner of Natalie Bianca’s shared and opened with gratitude for the people in the room, who she recognized as faithful patrons. When people come to her restaurant, they come back; “we just have to get them there,” she concluded. It was a powerful moment for everyone in the room to hear business leaders.

As many of us know, election season is upon us, and six of the 11 candidates for Atlanta’s City Council District 11 (you can’t make this up,… 11 for 11) were in attendance and ready to speak. Toni Ingram spoke on behalf of the current pastor of Providence saying that he wished he could be there, but had a prior commitment concerning his sons. Steven Dingle pointed out that the number of candidates in the race shows how much people care for the area. Andre Burgin shared condolences. Harold Hardnett shared that he secured a meeting with the Mayor, then the Chief of Operations of the City of Atlanta, Duriya Farooki, quickly corrected the information saying that she scheduled that meeting and notice was sent days ago. Nate Jester shared his occupation and offered his phone number. Wayne Martin shared of his past experiences growing up in Atlanta. Candidate Curt Collier shared that we are at a “tipping point” in Southwest Atlanta. Collier shared that foresight is needed when an area like Cascade is being neglected, and a change needs to happen now. Collier, an educator and licensed real estate broker, shared that a depressed neighborhood insentivises shifts in property values and ownership, which ultimately affects the historic leadership and legacy of Cascade in Southwest Atlanta. “We need eyes, we need attention, we need action, that’s all I came to say,” Collier concluded.

Then there were residence like myself and some others who grew up on and off Cascade as children. One spoke of the importance of accurate information and that sharing misinformation can potentially cripple this hopeful campaign for economic relief. Her gentle comment seemed to be aimed at Mullins who was corrected concerning some of the information he had been sharing during the campaign. The city COO Farooki shared similar sentiments and added that she regularly meets with contractors to push their work forward. I shared my gratitude for being in a multigenerational meeting with everyone in the room, including my husband of nearly 20 years and our six children. The hope and possibility for continued legacy is clearly visible.

Finally, the former pastor, Reverend Durley closed the meeting with a prayer and a hope. He shared of remembering Martin Luther King Jr., Jonathan Lewis, and Benjamin E. Mays. “It happened in this room,” he shared concerning some of the major movements and campaigns of the previous generation’s Civil Rights activism. So there we were, continuing the legacy of Cascade, Southwest Atlanta, in the room were it happens. Let me tell you, things really did happen. Farooki shared that she is willing to give everyone an update after the Mayor’s meeting with Cascade business stakeholders, which is scheduled for this afternoon.

Stay tuned right here and I will make sure we get the “tea” we deserve!