is this not racist?
(CLICK HERE FOR “RACISM DEFINED” BEFORE MOVING FORWARD)
Now that you’ve read that article, let me respond.
Racism in its simplest form is the prejudice, discrimination against a race of people BASED ON the belief that one’s own race is SUPERIOR.
Considering all of the United States’ history (and current events) against blacks, how is wanting the PROGRESSION of blacks similar to racism? Building B22 Park isn’t going to stop certain events that will continue outside of the community, such as:
Why won’t it stop these things, Shamirah? Because we can only fix ourselves. We can only fix the issues within our own community as much as possible. We can’t fix the hate or dislike in others’ against us. We can’t fix how others feel about us.
It’s time we start investing in ourselves. We are not coming for your “position” in this society – whatever you think that may be. Equality comes with many levels – from rights, the justice system, education, all the way to how we are living as a people. Every time blacks try to uplift one another, there’s always someone from another race intervening as though us uplifting each other up is tearing THEM down. The two have no correlation – it never has. If so, please advise immediately to make me aware. I’m not doing this to segregate races, nor do I want to.
Blacks have the potential to be better than what we currently are AND to gain more than what we currently have. Wanting more cannot, and will never be, equivalent to racism of any kind.
Now that you’ve read that article, let me respond.
Racism in its simplest form is the prejudice, discrimination against a race of people BASED ON the belief that one’s own race is SUPERIOR.
Considering all of the United States’ history (and current events) against blacks, how is wanting the PROGRESSION of blacks similar to racism? Building B22 Park isn’t going to stop certain events that will continue outside of the community, such as:
- Police brutality
- Systemic/Institutional racism
- Not wanting poor blacks at their kids’ school if they don’t live in the area and pay property taxes
- White Supremacy/KKK marches and harassment
- Gentrification
- Denial of employment simply because one is black
Why won’t it stop these things, Shamirah? Because we can only fix ourselves. We can only fix the issues within our own community as much as possible. We can’t fix the hate or dislike in others’ against us. We can’t fix how others feel about us.
It’s time we start investing in ourselves. We are not coming for your “position” in this society – whatever you think that may be. Equality comes with many levels – from rights, the justice system, education, all the way to how we are living as a people. Every time blacks try to uplift one another, there’s always someone from another race intervening as though us uplifting each other up is tearing THEM down. The two have no correlation – it never has. If so, please advise immediately to make me aware. I’m not doing this to segregate races, nor do I want to.
Blacks have the potential to be better than what we currently are AND to gain more than what we currently have. Wanting more cannot, and will never be, equivalent to racism of any kind.
why are you doing this?
I care about the progression of blacks as it relates to finances, education, employment and community. To progress blacks isn’t to demote any other race in this country – the two has no correlation.
Why not develop the hood instead?
There are already people who are developing the hood. What’s wrong with doing both? Why can’t we develop those areas AND build new areas? The goal is to build a B22 Park in every state – it’s ideal to start in Georgia. I have no problem with the next park being a development of the hood. Submit your suggestions to which areas you’re thinking about.
aren't you worried that they will try to control this after it's built?
Most definitely – I never rule out any possibilities. I attempt to think of every situation just as I try to prepare for every type of rejection and threat possible for doing this.
I’m doing my part by putting action to a HUGE vision and making sure this park is built. I will work with the state and local governments to make sure everything is in order. I will not ask of them more than what they would normally allocate to any other thriving community. That’s not fair to take away from others, regardless of this country’s past. I’m only asking for sustainability. We all can co-exist and thrive. We shouldn’t have to fight and beg for it.
Just do your part in making sure it’s occupied, protected and maintained to the highest standard.
- Are you going to make sure that that won’t happen?
- Are you going to work on your credit?
- Are you going to be the first 3,500 people to apply to these apartments, condos and homes?
- Are you going to position yourself to be a part of B22 Park’s education system?
- Are you going to assist with bringing jobs and your talents to this park?
- Are you going to look after your people to ensure their safety?
I’m doing my part by putting action to a HUGE vision and making sure this park is built. I will work with the state and local governments to make sure everything is in order. I will not ask of them more than what they would normally allocate to any other thriving community. That’s not fair to take away from others, regardless of this country’s past. I’m only asking for sustainability. We all can co-exist and thrive. We shouldn’t have to fight and beg for it.
Just do your part in making sure it’s occupied, protected and maintained to the highest standard.
how does this help black people?
Per the Community Development Project Proposal (under 'DOCUMENTS'), B22 Park's objectives are to:
These are all the key elements that create a thriving people.
- Build better housing for African Americans, thus decreasing the percentage of poverty amongst African Americans, especially veterans.
- Build and stabilize proper education for African American kids, thus decreasing the percentage of failing kids and increasing the percentage of graduates.
- Establish financial literacy and jobs in the African American community, thus decreasing poverty and increasing the employment rate.
- Establish healthcare in the African American community, thus improving access to quality health care and services.
- Establish quality public safety, thus improving and re-building the trust between African Americans and law enforcement.
These are all the key elements that create a thriving people.
how does this help everyone?
My responsibility, as it’s not a political stance, doesn’t reside with everyone. I’m here to progress a group of people that’s been oppressed for far too long. I guess the biggest question would be . . . how does this HURT everyone/anyone? The answer to that is – it doesn’t. It hurts no one.
what if blacks don't want to move?
It’s true that many are comfortable with where they are. They see nothing wrong. However, they don’t speak for the millions who aren’t complacent and stagnant. B22 Park is an initiative for progression. Only those who want that will move and/or support. Personally, I’m not going to force anyone to uplift their lives for better. My job is to place this opportunity in front of them. It’s up to them to accept or decline.
is anyone else allowed in the community?
Of course! We’re not monsters and we’re nothing to be afraid of. Just because I made this community for blacks doesn’t mean that others can’t come and fellowship with us - we love everybody.
aren't you scared of protests over this?
Scared? No. Expecting? Yes. Everyone has the right to protest for what they believe in, we can’t take that away from them – nor do we want to.
Should the only time a black person can have something of this nature is if we’re in sports, the music industry, a lawyer or doctor? It can’t be because 50,000,000 blacks put together $3B and decided to build?
You don’t see this often. If a protest were to happen, it’s not because a community was built for blacks, and it’s not because they want to be around us. It’s because of the TYPE of community that’s being built for blacks. That lets me know that others don’t think we are deserving of what we’re trying to build for ourselves – it’s “too nice and expensive”. If anything, others should be happy that we’re trying to gain better for ourselves as much as I hear the complaints (stereotypes) about blacks being “lazy”, smooching off of the government, not paying taxes or caring about their children’s education and not valuing their communities.
Should the only time a black person can have something of this nature is if we’re in sports, the music industry, a lawyer or doctor? It can’t be because 50,000,000 blacks put together $3B and decided to build?
- How often do you see other races protesting the gentrification of the black communities in our favor?
- How often do you see them wanting to invite poor black kids into their schools for a better education regardless of zones and property taxes?
- How often do you see them wanting to move into the hood (filled with 98% blacks)?
- How often do you see them protesting against low-income housing being built for blacks?
You don’t see this often. If a protest were to happen, it’s not because a community was built for blacks, and it’s not because they want to be around us. It’s because of the TYPE of community that’s being built for blacks. That lets me know that others don’t think we are deserving of what we’re trying to build for ourselves – it’s “too nice and expensive”. If anything, others should be happy that we’re trying to gain better for ourselves as much as I hear the complaints (stereotypes) about blacks being “lazy”, smooching off of the government, not paying taxes or caring about their children’s education and not valuing their communities.
what if this cause a chain reaction and other races remove blacks from their communities?
That is a problem, and if done, it’ll be out of spite and pettiness. I do not remove – I create. Me creating a community from the ground up for blacks is different than forcing blacks out of their homes that they’ve already established. You’re confusing GENTRIFICATION with true COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (revitalization). If I were buying up neighborhoods that belonged to other races, forcing them out and reforming the community for only blacks . . . THAT would be an issue. THAT isn’t what I’m doing and I have no desire in removing people from their homes and communities.
Should I start a list of the many communities that have denied minorities’ residency, the many banks that have denied blacks loans, the many schools that have denied black students entry, or the many jobs that have denied blacks employment?
Even IF I did invite the estate and retail portion to ALL races, how will that stop any of the ongoing issues that we are facing outside of B22 Park? It’s not. Again, we can only help ourselves where we can, currently. We have no control over the humans that promote systemic/institutional racism.
Should I start a list of the many communities that have denied minorities’ residency, the many banks that have denied blacks loans, the many schools that have denied black students entry, or the many jobs that have denied blacks employment?
Even IF I did invite the estate and retail portion to ALL races, how will that stop any of the ongoing issues that we are facing outside of B22 Park? It’s not. Again, we can only help ourselves where we can, currently. We have no control over the humans that promote systemic/institutional racism.
Are you going to be involved after it’s built?
Of course! I would never abandon these communities. This is my purpose – to progress the people in every way that I can. However, I will appoint qualified and trustworthy individuals to delegate some of the responsibilities as I can’t do this by myself going forward.
What do you get out of this?
A sense of pride, purpose, service and accomplishment; sometimes, we don’t need a politician to get the job done, or to even start it off for us. Most, if not all, true leaders that we need aren’t in a political office, and we rarely put them in there. The true leaders that we need are the ones that look, talk and act like you and me (regular folk). True leaders aren’t always “polished”. They’re flawed people with good hearts, even better intentions, uncontrolled visions, and immeasurable ambition. No matter the race, we have them in every community – we simply look past them.
We need to learn how to depend on ourselves FIRST in multitude.
We need to learn how to depend on ourselves FIRST in multitude.
What makes you fit to do this?
- Who exactly are you waiting on?
- What trend are you waiting to follow?
- If not me, then who? If not now, then when?
- What qualifications does a person need in order to progress their people?
Please fill out the ‘CONTACT’ to let me know.
Why do you need $3B, isn't that a lot?
No, it's not. Have you seen what I'm trying to build? No? Okay, well since you haven't been through the site thoroughly before thinking/asking this, click on each below:
CITY HALL
GIRLS' FOSTER HOME
BOYS' FOSTER HOME
RECREATION CENTER
THERAPY
HEALTH PLAZA
DAYCARE
FIRE & POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARKET PLACE
AUTO COMPLEX
BANK
MOVIE THEATER
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
GUN & ARCHERY RANGE
WAKANDA ELEMENTARY
BLACK EXCELLENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL
MOTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
SOUTHERN ESTATES
EGYPT'S LANDING
CIVIL RIGHTS VISTA
VETERANS VILLA
PRODUCTION STUDIO
TRAIL & POND
BLACK ARENA
This isn't a small neighborhood renovation. This is a COMPLETE community, starting from scratch spreading over about 700-800 acres. Not only have I researched for months on the costs, but I calculated a budget that will sustain this community for generations to come. The progression of my people is priceless . . . so what's $3B to get us started?
CITY HALL
GIRLS' FOSTER HOME
BOYS' FOSTER HOME
RECREATION CENTER
THERAPY
HEALTH PLAZA
DAYCARE
FIRE & POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARKET PLACE
AUTO COMPLEX
BANK
MOVIE THEATER
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
GUN & ARCHERY RANGE
WAKANDA ELEMENTARY
BLACK EXCELLENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL
MOTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
SOUTHERN ESTATES
EGYPT'S LANDING
CIVIL RIGHTS VISTA
VETERANS VILLA
PRODUCTION STUDIO
TRAIL & POND
BLACK ARENA
This isn't a small neighborhood renovation. This is a COMPLETE community, starting from scratch spreading over about 700-800 acres. Not only have I researched for months on the costs, but I calculated a budget that will sustain this community for generations to come. The progression of my people is priceless . . . so what's $3B to get us started?
Why are you asking from individuals? Aren't there grants and loans that you can get instead? Isn't the government suppose to help build that?
You want reparations, but don't want to assist in repairing from within where you can in ADDITION to that? I don't understand. African-Americans actually spend billions of dollar per year, and many of the things we buy are frivolous OR white labels/brands. You can save $60 easily by:
There's so many things that aren't needed for survival that we can give up for a month in order to donate $60. Is it too much to ask for unity in a GOOD cause? If the people wanted to, I can raise $3B in less than a month and start construction before the end of the year. It could all be so simple. It is simple. This is obtainable. I know I can't be the only one out there that feels this way.
Yes, there are grants and loans out there. However, they're not guaranteed and you have to remember that racism (in all its glory and many different forms) is still alive and thriving. How many grants and loans are realistically going to be given to me in order to build something like this for African-Americans? A few, but not even enough to buy and clear the land. Why do I have to depend on the government to do something that I (we) can do. I depend on the government for other things like . . . equality and justice.
We must learn what the government's job is. It's not to "BUILD" something like this for US. The government (local, state and partially (minimum) federal) comes in after it's built. They're suppose to contribute to schools, public safety, health care and recreation. Look at your poor black areas. You see just how much have contributed, right? Right. That's why I'm here.
- not eating out for a month,
- not going to that party this weekend,
- not buying those J's next quarter when they drop,
- not buying that Apple/Samsung product at the moment,
- waiting another time to go to that concert or get cheaper seats,
- getting a shorter inch bundle,
- not buying so many lashes,
- not getting your nails done this month, etc.
There's so many things that aren't needed for survival that we can give up for a month in order to donate $60. Is it too much to ask for unity in a GOOD cause? If the people wanted to, I can raise $3B in less than a month and start construction before the end of the year. It could all be so simple. It is simple. This is obtainable. I know I can't be the only one out there that feels this way.
Yes, there are grants and loans out there. However, they're not guaranteed and you have to remember that racism (in all its glory and many different forms) is still alive and thriving. How many grants and loans are realistically going to be given to me in order to build something like this for African-Americans? A few, but not even enough to buy and clear the land. Why do I have to depend on the government to do something that I (we) can do. I depend on the government for other things like . . . equality and justice.
We must learn what the government's job is. It's not to "BUILD" something like this for US. The government (local, state and partially (minimum) federal) comes in after it's built. They're suppose to contribute to schools, public safety, health care and recreation. Look at your poor black areas. You see just how much have contributed, right? Right. That's why I'm here.
This is a big project, what's the completion date on this? How many contractors?
There are over 300 architects AND construction companies that I can hire - with many being black. There are (26) individual projects in this community (not including the estate). I will be hiring (3) architects AND contractors PER project so that multiple buildings can go up at the same time. For the estate, I will be hiring at least (10) contractors AND interior designers.
All hires will collaborate with each other so that no one is on top of each other.
Due to the fact that we are never sure about the weather, it's hard to say when this will be completed. But with multiple contractors working on different projects, the majority of the community should be completed within 16-24 months. That's why the FY Budget starts in 2021. I want everything built RIGHT and up to code, therefore this community will NOT be rushed.
A more accurate time frame can be given after hiring contractors and architects.
All hires will collaborate with each other so that no one is on top of each other.
Due to the fact that we are never sure about the weather, it's hard to say when this will be completed. But with multiple contractors working on different projects, the majority of the community should be completed within 16-24 months. That's why the FY Budget starts in 2021. I want everything built RIGHT and up to code, therefore this community will NOT be rushed.
A more accurate time frame can be given after hiring contractors and architects.
What does your team currently look like? Do you need help?
Myself and Danielle (her only duty will be to write grant proposals for the organization). I have no one else to help. No one wants to assist because there are no funds to compensate them for their time - which I can understand (who wants to work for free??). All funds and resources used thus far has been my own from being a full-time employee.
It would be nice to have another member on the team. If you're interested and have the understanding that you will not be compensated AS OF RIGHT NOW, then please fill out this form: JOIN.
It would be nice to have another member on the team. If you're interested and have the understanding that you will not be compensated AS OF RIGHT NOW, then please fill out this form: JOIN.
If you could compensate, what would be the salary for the vacant positions on the "JOIN" page?
Individuals who are employed with for-profit corporations/businesses execute the same duties as those giving their time and talents to non-profit organizations. Therefore, I believe that they should be paid almost around the same. The general formula for compensation is 1% of revenue: $3,000,000,000 x 1% = $30,000,000.00
MY team will have the following regardless of PT/FT status (and is included in their salaries):
The goal isn't to get rich, it's to compensate fairly and make sure my team has the same benefits as any other employee. We don't need to take too much from the Community Project's budget.
MY team will have the following regardless of PT/FT status (and is included in their salaries):
- Flexible work schedule and working location
- Health insurance benefits
- Employer contributions to retirement savings plans
- Insurance policies, including pet insurance
- Paid vacations
- Paid family leave
- Paid days for volunteer work
- Tuition reimbursement
- Inexpensive day care options for children
The goal isn't to get rich, it's to compensate fairly and make sure my team has the same benefits as any other employee. We don't need to take too much from the Community Project's budget.
what's the yearly upkeep for this community?
City Budget FY2021 (page 29 is probably what you're looking for)