"[Suny Monk] responded a few hours later with a single line: Let’s make trouble." This was — and, indeed, turned out to be — what John Lewis would have called "good trouble." Thanks for recording and retelling the history brought about by so many of your dedicated friends and neighbors..
I am reminded of an AARP grant I was reviewing for the small town of Whitakers NC. There was a small group of people there trying doggedly to preserve an old and very neglected bank building in the forgotten downtown of what was once a fairly thriving area, with a railroad running through the middle of town. Their plan was to get a grant that would rebuild the rotted roof, and to use the space as a farmer's mkt until other upgrades could be made. They produced a video and tried unsuccessfully to win an HGTV makeover before they appealed to AARP for a community grant. I thought it was a great project to bring the community together, but in the end our committee did not vote to move it forward.
A month or two later, David and I were taking the train to NY, and we went right past that bank. I bet if some of you had been there, it would have been restored by now!
Thank you Craig for this incredible banquet of your art and history. It is so courageous and inspiring and has been a delight to read and see in every installment.
What a beautiful struggle and tale of persistence and networking to bring a community together. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Duncan
"[Suny Monk] responded a few hours later with a single line: Let’s make trouble." This was — and, indeed, turned out to be — what John Lewis would have called "good trouble." Thanks for recording and retelling the history brought about by so many of your dedicated friends and neighbors..
What a great story.
I am reminded of an AARP grant I was reviewing for the small town of Whitakers NC. There was a small group of people there trying doggedly to preserve an old and very neglected bank building in the forgotten downtown of what was once a fairly thriving area, with a railroad running through the middle of town. Their plan was to get a grant that would rebuild the rotted roof, and to use the space as a farmer's mkt until other upgrades could be made. They produced a video and tried unsuccessfully to win an HGTV makeover before they appealed to AARP for a community grant. I thought it was a great project to bring the community together, but in the end our committee did not vote to move it forward.
A month or two later, David and I were taking the train to NY, and we went right past that bank. I bet if some of you had been there, it would have been restored by now!
Sounds like something that should have been funded. Hope it wasn’t torn down.
Brought a tear to my glass eye...thanks!
Thank you Craig for this incredible banquet of your art and history. It is so courageous and inspiring and has been a delight to read and see in every installment.
A beautiful work.
Thanks Royce, for being along for the whole ride
A remarkable account of a remarkable story. Three cheers for those who did the hard and generous work of making it happen.
The best story. Great work!