Personally I would love to see every Cleveland blogger do their own take on this story. Hats off to Roldo Bartimole for telling me about this book, called Democratizing Cleveland - The Rise and Fall of Community Organizing in Cleveland Ohio. Bill Callahan also talks about the book, read his take on it here.
Now, if the stars were ever aligned, at least for me: I have floor time at Howard Hanna next Saturday; my office is right next door to the Bookstore on West 25th; and there will be a book signing that day from Noon to Three.
And, it’s my Birthday LOL. I will be there for sure. Any takers on a Cleveland blogger book club of sorts review of this say oh, in two weeks?
From Arambala Press, who is publishing the book:
“….Author, Randy Cunningham, interviewed former organizers, neighborhood leaders, allies, critics, friends and foes of a movement whose victories and defeats, accomplishments and failures still impact Cleveland’s neighborhoods….”
This quote, found on The Cleveland Leader (and Roldo), I found quite interesting:
The Community Development Corporations (CDCs) now active in many communities provide a service but they are so linked to their political funders – private and governmental – that they are more businesses than community organizations…..
One former staff member saw the change as disturbing, too…
“I don’t think they understand or see the need to empower people. Their goals are just mainly to develop real estate. They don’t do any other type of organizing.”
We could use today the experiences gained by those neighborhood people who came together to better their communities. Apathy is rampant….”
My grassroots work was in the form of a presidential campaign in the early seventies and then some local ’stuff’ working with Charlie Butts, Dave Strand (wonder where Dave Strand is!) and a few others….but alas I moved to Maryland for the time period discussed in this book.
The press release from Arambala Press does not say how much the book is; either that means it’s like market rate lobster or so affordable a price announcement is not necessary! Peace Out (and hope to see you there next Saturday, January 26th) at the Bookstore on W. 25th. Noon to Three. Author: Randy Cunningham.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Grassroots Empowerment The Story That Was Cleveland and Could Be // Jan 20, 2008 at 1:45 am
[...] Grassroots Empowerment The Story That Was Cleveland and Could Be My grassroots work was in the form of a presidential campaign in the early seventies and then some local ’stuff’ working with Charlie Butts… [...]
2 Jill // Jan 26, 2008 at 11:15 am
Carole - thanks for sharing this. It’s so helpful to me, as someone who thinks more than she thinks she acts, so that it can move me to act. Thank you.
Leave a Comment