From Deseret News archives:
Legacy of community activists lives on in Central City
There were the street dances on 400 East with Gov. Cal Rampton and his wife, Lucy Beth, demonstrations, marches, clean-up campaigns, bike parades, voter registration, mass meetings, cop and youth leagues, and we even had our own Central City queen, Sandra Adams. The neighborhood buzzed with excitement.
It all began at the height of the civil rights movement when discrimination against minorities was not uncommon, especially for blacks; and most "knew their place," except for people like Mignon Richmond, an icon in the black community who lived on 60 South; Billy Mason. who owned a barber shop; and Jewel Brown, who ran a beauty shop out of her home.
They were among the original people who, without hesitation, came forward to start the Central City Community Action Program (CAP). They showed how a few good citizens, with strong principles about community and caring for their neighbors, could renew the hopes of people and the belief that they can guide their own destiny.
Each possessed the innate ability to listen and, by so doing, conveyed their love for people. They're the natural leaders you find in neighborhoods. They go about doing good because it's what one does as a human being. They help without judging, and believe in the dignity of every individual, which then inspires them to believe in themselves. They don't preach, they just do.
Mignon, Billy, Jewel, Eugene Thompson and James Green, along with many other people in Central City, started a movement of social change that brought new vitality and pride to their neighborhood and to the state. It started school hot-lunch programs, health clinics, a community center, adult education, neighborhood restoration, child care, senior citizen programs and the movement that enabled legislation for public housing for the poor, senior citizens and the disabled.
Comments
- See concerts online free at new site 9:00 p.m.
- Little America Hotel addition 8:59 p.m.
- S.L. ranks 4th in places to find a job 8:59 p.m.
- Ancestry.com offers military collection 8:57 p.m.
- TCU won't raise BCS fuss 8:56 p.m.
- Utah cities slip in 'performing' list 8:55 p.m.
- 4A, 5A hoops to have 3 officials 8:54 p.m.
- Wal-Mart still open to ease crowds 8:54 p.m.
- Lone Peak player suspended 8:53 p.m.
- Precious-metal market is booming 8:50 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Gays get Mormon support in SLC
- House passes health care bill
283 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
238 - TCU showdown has big implications
193 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
108 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
100
Maybe someone out there can help me understand how raising the state...
Couldn't agree more! Having a local buying 49% is fantastic! Go RSL!
No chance. Fesenko and Koufus could boost stagnant game but Sloan being...
We really are a lottery team, aren't we?
Double Dipping is good for the one who is double dipping.
Honestly guys, if you think it is the layout of the spectrum that creates the...
I would suggest you tone down your remarks and ethusiasm. You will probaly...
Look even futher at how ineffective 911 is after you call. Why does each...
Well, he'll probably go and join the "fair and balanced" NOT! station as he...
The legislature should go case by case on this issue. If a suitable...
UNC is the only place for a player like Ohai. That's like asking a football...


You can be the first to comment on this story.