Sunshine and Showers: A Day in Greenwood’s College Heights/Booker T. Washington Community
The brisk early morning air in Greenwood gives way to sunshine, offering a gentle start to the day. As the sun climbs higher, it casts a warm glow on the College Heights/Booker T. Washington neighborhood. This historically rich area, built back in the 1940s, has been a cradle of community for generations who have called it home.
A Neighborhood with Heart and History
College Heights/Booker T. Washington is not just a place; it’s a living tapestry of stories told through the lives of its residents. Nestled between notable landmarks like the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historical Preservation Site and the Josh Norman Starz24 Teen Center, this predominantly African American community has stood resiliently through time. It first took shape in the 1940s, and since then, it has nurtured generations, thanks in part to its stalwarts who have lived here for more than seven decades.
Essie Bolden, William Jones, Bertha Jones, Janie Jones Fisher, and John Carter are just some of the few longstanding residents, at 92, 92, 90, 89, and 93 respectively, who have seen the neighborhood’s evolution over the years. From the days when kids roamed freely until dusk to the present, where a sense of community pride and care still lingers in the air, these residents have been witnesses to, and shapers of, their vibrant neighborhood.
Community Engagement and Resurgence
A neighborhood is more than streets and buildings; it is the shared experiences that weave individuals into a close-knit community. Celebrating this spirit, every year, Greenwood barber Derrick Blocker alongside Jerome Jones and Melvin Jones, organizes an annual cookout. This event strives to thank the community’s elders for the lifetime of nurturing and guidance they have provided.
“The cookout is like a big family reunion,” Blocker shares, explaining how the event brings everyone together. It’s a day filled not just with food, but stories, laughter, and a sense of belonging, where neighborhoods come together to celebrate their rich history and advocate for a thriving future.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like many urban neighborhoods, College Heights/Booker T. Washington has faced its fair share of challenges. With the rise of single-parent households, an increase in rental properties, and occasional spikes in apathy, the community has had to fight to maintain its unitary fabric. But this community is built on the strength of its people.
In the late 1990s, a neighborhood association was formed, spearheading initiatives that made a real difference—everything from fundraising for community signage to organizing neighborhood cleanups. These efforts instilled a renewed sense of pride.
The Future of a Neighborhood Built on Love
As evening falls, the promise of rain hovers with clouds gathering and the light fading. The winds are gentle today, bringing a chance of 60% rain overnight. The hope is that tomorrow brings clear skies and renewed energy to the community.
The College Heights/Booker T. Washington neighborhood stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people unite for a common cause. Longtime resident Annie Blocker speaks hopefully of the future, suggesting the need for more amenities like recreational facilities and improved infrastructure to attract younger families to maintain the neighborhood’s legacy.
The community’s heart beats steadily with collective memories and shared stories, ensuring that the neighborhood isn’t just preserved, but enriched for generations yet to come. Here’s to the College Heights/Booker T. Washington neighborhood—a beacon of heritage and home.
As the day winds down, and while people settle in with the possibility of overnight showers, the enduring spirit of Greenwood’s beloved community serves as a reminder of the power of unity in preserving the soul of a neighborhood.
