Clean Up Days, North Nashville (2017- 2020)
In 2016, my husband and I moved to a challenged neighborhood where the impact of decades of disinvestment, education apartheid and violence were felt on a daily basis. We connected with a small group of 10-12 neighbors that were fed up with violence and inaction. So, we committed to doing something.
We decided to focus on:
- Less crime
- Clean streets
- and Better schools
It was a simple charge, yet one that folks rallied around because we got clear on our objectives. There were various neighborhood groups, organizations and associations around. But none seemed committed to direct action.
We started with neighborhood cleanup days and addressing code violations. Because it was something we could control, see immediate results and was a long-term solution to help displace violence at abandoned homes and vacant lots.