have you read this fictional book about a white couple that moved into the primarily African American Old 4th Ward neighborhood in Atlanta? They bought a great old house for a good price. It had wonderful views of the downtown skyline and they were nice people. But when they encountered the realities of their new neighborhood they were in a whole new world that they didn't understand and alternately feared, resented, and pressured to change.
Yesterday I drove by to check on the community garden and noticed, to my shock, that a neighbor has put a for sale sign in front of his house. He moved into the neighborhood about 18 months ago, enthusiastic about discovering the next "intown real estate gem" with our old bungalows and parks. He has my best dog-walking companion.
In his 18 months here he has visited a neighborhood association, become vice president of the association, quit the association because no one wanted to really work on anything. He's sent untold numbers of emails to our councilmembers, former mayor, and new mayor about abandoned properties, undesireable businesses, and noisy car stereo shops. He has joined with a group of mostly white neighbors who want to form their own neighborhood association because they are all frustrated about having to work with the current neighbors.
I'll confess that I've often joked that he wanted to be the new president of Grove Park. But his frustration, to the point of selling and moving, has made me think. It's not a bad thing to get involved in the neighborhood and take issues by the horns. I've felt a little guilty that I haven't been that involved. Is there another issue here?
I don't really know for sure. But I suspect that the reason that he's ready to throw in the towel is one of perspective. This neighborhood is probably in worse shape than it was 2 years ago if you are looking at abandoned properties (increased), businesses opening that provide community benefit and improvement (none at all), or even a reduction in crime. (Though I'm pleased to report that one of the 2 known drug dealer houses on the corner is now empty and up for rent). Grove Park is not one bit closer to being the next "intown real estate gem" than it was in 2008. If that is the primary goal for being here, it would be frustrating beyond belief. He's not the only neighbor that feels this way. But that's another post.
I think that my neighbor fails to recognize just how much he represents "Them" and as a result does not appreciate the need for patience and humility in approaching our neighbors who have been here for years. Don't get me wrong. He's one of the friendliest guys you could meet. He may know more names of neighborhood association members that I do. He does care about this being a nice place to live. But what I suspect he does not realize is how much more time, love, and true understanding it must take to break down the barriers that a long history of racial injustice have built high and deep.
I hope we have many more nights to walk our dogs before his house sells. And I pray for the courage to ask him some questions that, just maybe, will expand his perspective. I pray that my own perspective will also grow and become more and more true in my relationships here as well.
