Over the past several months former occupants of the original Jordan Park Housing Project(JP) have been meeting to organize and promote the historic significance and impact on the lives of those who were fortunate enough to have lived in the housing project. It's amazing what can happen when a community comes together and a vision is created; so was the case when Rufus 'Jabo' Lewis, Willie B. Felton Jr. and Minson Rubin came together. Now that the vision has been shared, we all are working together as a community with one vision.
This organization was the brain child of a few people that blossomed into a meeting of many former residents. The group started meeting several months ago with an initial plan of having a Jordan Park Reunion, where former tenants and those currently living in the new Jordan Park Housing Project would come together. This idea was re-scheduled to 2010, however the group did decide to host a Holiday Celebration on Monday, December 28, 2009 at the Wildwood Park Community Center from the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
By all indication the event was a success. While I have participated in only two meetings, I have mined from them this overview and would like to share with you a snapshot of the event that was taken with my camera.
The Holiday Celebration
Everyone was greeted at the door, signed in and was issued a badge with their name and their primary apartment unit number. The room was packed to capacity. Cameras were posed to capture the wide smiles of all in attendance. The evening provided an excellent venue to reacquaint ourselves with days gone by and fellowship. Attendees were from far and near; traveling from in and out of state to be in attendance.
Members of the Steering and Hospitality Committee presented a program which included the overall concept of the organization, the history of Jordan Park Housing Project, presenting of original tenants, an original JP lease and a slide of photos of residents and families back in the day. The evening event was spearheaded by Charles 'Poppa Do' McNorton and Jacquline Pettis Williams (Hospitality Committee) and their committee members. Minson Rubin and his committee were responsible for the slide show. Smooth grooves and holiday music for the event was provided by a local DJ. A photographer was on-hand and added the event's photos at the tail end of the slide show presentation which was a surprise to all of us. Rufus 'Jabo' Lewis and Willie Felton along with Julia Jamerson were very instrumental in orchestrating this event and communicating the purpose of the organization.
Some of the former residents shared fond memories of living in JP.
This organization was the brain child of a few people that blossomed into a meeting of many former residents. The group started meeting several months ago with an initial plan of having a Jordan Park Reunion, where former tenants and those currently living in the new Jordan Park Housing Project would come together. This idea was re-scheduled to 2010, however the group did decide to host a Holiday Celebration on Monday, December 28, 2009 at the Wildwood Park Community Center from the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
By all indication the event was a success. While I have participated in only two meetings, I have mined from them this overview and would like to share with you a snapshot of the event that was taken with my camera.
The Holiday Celebration
Everyone was greeted at the door, signed in and was issued a badge with their name and their primary apartment unit number. The room was packed to capacity. Cameras were posed to capture the wide smiles of all in attendance. The evening provided an excellent venue to reacquaint ourselves with days gone by and fellowship. Attendees were from far and near; traveling from in and out of state to be in attendance.
Members of the Steering and Hospitality Committee presented a program which included the overall concept of the organization, the history of Jordan Park Housing Project, presenting of original tenants, an original JP lease and a slide of photos of residents and families back in the day. The evening event was spearheaded by Charles 'Poppa Do' McNorton and Jacquline Pettis Williams (Hospitality Committee) and their committee members. Minson Rubin and his committee were responsible for the slide show. Smooth grooves and holiday music for the event was provided by a local DJ. A photographer was on-hand and added the event's photos at the tail end of the slide show presentation which was a surprise to all of us. Rufus 'Jabo' Lewis and Willie Felton along with Julia Jamerson were very instrumental in orchestrating this event and communicating the purpose of the organization.
Some of the former residents shared fond memories of living in JP.
Rev. Alvin Miller provided the catering. A good time was had by all~
Thanks to all who participated and best wishes for a successful 2010.
Photo's courtesy of V. Williams (Unit 182 and 243)
Go Well and Be Safe.
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