Preservation / Stabilization: Stop "Ethnic Community Bleaching"
Preservation and Stabilization help fight "Ethnic Community Bleaching": There are African American communities that developed on land acquired after slavery ended in 1864. However, written and unwritten “Jim-Crow” laws maintain segregation of communities and “basic amenities.” 

 As towns and cities have grown, a large number of these the “black

 

land-owned” communities are still redlined out of the cities. 

They remain under the control of the city in a “buffer” area just outside the city limits.  This area is in the county, however under the planning, permitting, and zoning control of cities like Mebane. This buffer is legally called ETJ or “extraterritorial jurisdiction.”  These segregated communities are 

 

usually disenfranchised: no city voting rights, no safe city water and sewer services, outhouses, failing septic systems, well water, unpaved and dead-end streets, land-fills/trash dumps, and polluting old and abandoned factories. 

 

Cleanup of environmental blight and pollution are not included on the city or county plans.  Property in minority owned communities is devalued and the quality of life is diminished because of these unaddressed problems..      

  Replacing the old with the new keeps alive the spirit, pride, and confidence in Mebane's fragile low-income and minority communities.  

West End Revitalization Association

Community-Based Environmental Protection  *  Community Development Corporation

Preservation
 Home Up Vision History Timeline Maps News Comment

Cherish Every Drop of Water You Drink

     On November 14, 2003, the West End Revitalization Association - WERA celebrated it ninth anniversary at the Annual Fundraising Awards Dinner. Young adult members of WERA's DREAM-Network hosted this special occasion.

     We were blessed the presence of friends, family, and community partners. This Enviro-Art called "Cherish" by Kojo E. Wilson was presents as awards. The short poem below was written in recognition of the "Cherish" and each dinner guests, board member, and community partner was encouraged to add lines or verses in dedication to the poem. WERA needs everyone's support and commitment to eliminate environmental hazards that threaten the public health of Mebane's low-income and minority communities.

“Cherish Every Drop of Water You Drink,
 Cherish every leaf that’s green,
 Cherish every hand keeping it clean,” (Omega Wilson)

 
Cherish every tree on Earth,

Cherish every ounce of air,

Cherish every child’s birth,

Cherish every river and stream both far and near,

Cherish the light of the day,

Cherish the places where we play,

Cherish the legacy of Black struggles in this nation,

Cherish the hopes, dreams, and success of our future generations, (Sacoby Wilson)

 Cherish the land that you own, (Marilyn Snipes)

Cherish the land where we live, (Steve Smull)

Cherish the land of your family and community, (Author Unknown)

Cherish everything far and near maybe sewer and clean water, (Emma Holt)

Cherish the clean water that you drink, (James Minor)

Cherish everyday that you’ve dreamed, (Wilma Crisp)

Cherish tomorrow only if we keep the dream, (Evon Connally)

Cherish hopes and dreams, (Mary P. Williamson)

 
 

Cherish everyone who is trying to keep the dream for you and me, (Author Unknown)

Cherish everything that will help you live your dreams, (Author Unknown)

Cherish every breath you take,

Cherish life for all our sakes, (Shelby Pittman & Giovanni Pittman)

Cherish where you live and what you own, (Cleatis D. Harris)

Cherish everything you see and hear, (Selena Harris)

Cherish your time, It waits for no one, (Shawn Garner)

Cherish community love and support, (Claudia Liggins)

Cherish keeping the ground green, (Author Unknown)

 

 

 Cherish neighbors that you love from below and above, (Author Unknown)

Cherish clean body and souls, (Pattie Fowler)

Cherish your health and spirit, don’t just grin and bear it, (Rachel Hester)

Cherish the manner and beauty with which all the parts need each other, (Author Unknown)

Cherish every connection you make,

Cherish every barrier you break, (Author Unknown)

Cherish the man who has given us understanding, (Author Unknown)

Cherish every person the same. (Author Unknown)

 

 

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P.O. Box 661, Mebane, NC 27302 - Phone/FAX (919) 563-8857

 Email: West End Revitalization Association
 

Copyright 2002/2003 by West End Revitalization Association