Where Do We Go From Here?

Over the last several months we have faced what seems to have been a barrage of issues, from Rutgers (parking decks), NJIT (can they be trusted?), and our safety (two shootings in the past three months). With all of that we have newspaper articles being written about us (not all good - see Trouble In The 'Hood) and questions being asked by every one, even some of our neighbors, what is up with those James St people? and why won't they just go a long with the program? Which leads me to writing this article on this early Friday morning.

You see unlike the President of the United States, I read the newspapers and I listen to what every one is saying. Having been the president of this association for the past three years I came to understand one thing and that is I can't do this job alone. It takes committed individuals who give not for themselves but for those they have come to know as their neighbors. Being part of a diverse neighborhood as ours you come to realize that not every one will see things the same and our prejudices come from our own individual experiences in life. There aren't many of us that can say that they lived here all of their lives but it is how we treat and respect one another today that will determine what our neighborhood will be tomorrow.

This evening I came across a part of history that we all share and why we are an association today. If you have some time take a moment and read through this document (Our History). You see I believe, as it has been often stated, you can't know where your going unless you understand where you came from. For me it is not about me or any other individual. It is much bigger then that and until we all understand that, then what ever is done will be done in vain.

When I started on this journey there were only a few committed to making others in this neighborhood believe that it was possible. What was possible you might ask? That this neighborhood could truly come together and be just that. Well I stood on their shoulders and saw that it was possible. And then together we helped others to give of themselves and their God given talents to bring us to where we are today. It is always said that change is never easy but we must put ourselves in a position to direct how that change will effect our lives. It can either be for the better or the worst. The choice belongs to each and every one of us who live here but as for me and my family we choose the better. How about you? Which one will you choose?

Let us finish this race together and prove to those who call us "C.A.V.E." (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) people that we are far more civilized then they will ever be. Not because we allowed other people's actions to dictate who we are and what we stand for but because we stood for what we believed to be right.

to be continued.........


Side Note: It is my intent to utilize all of the outlets available to me to keep every one informed of the actions and challenges facing the association. Please when you have time go to this site and read the history behind our difference in opinion with Rutgers.

Also look out for my next article "Small Victories" highlighting some of the accomplishments made over the past three years as an association.

And if you have an article to share just send it in so that we can post it on our blog.