On April 9th, from 6:30 to 8:30 the Lower Broadway Neighborhood Association (LBNA) celebrated three years of progress in a Celebration of Success at St. Lucy’s Church in North Newark. The organization, a sub-organization of La Casa de Don Pedro marked progress in everything from neighborhood beautification to increasing traffic safety in a party that represented the diversity and dedication of the community they come from.
“This is a celebration of the neighborhood”, Association president Sam August opened with, “For the past two years I’ve had to stand here and make promises… This year we’ve cobbled together a network of people and we’re here to celebrate the progress we’ve made.”
LBNA reported many positive changes, including increased safety precautions in Villa Victoria Apartment complex, creating arts programming and a movie night in McKinley K-12 school, and multiple summer events, including a Festival de la Familia Latina. In addition, they have been instrumental in pushing forward the Lower Broadway Streetscape Project to create safer and smoother traffic patterns at the intersections of Broadway and Bloomfield Ave.
In addition to celebrating successes, we were able to witness five awards given to organizations and members in the community for their dedication to the Lower Broadway neighborhood. Aida Iris Crespo was honored with a “Family Empowerment” award for her work with between 500 and 600 children, covering everything from ocular health to resume and job-skills building. Newark Student Union received an “Education” award praising their work as student organizers and advocates. Center Stage Cuts was recognized with an “Economic Development” award for their strong business model that integrates itself into the community. Yendor Production & The Gates Project Artists increased “Community Safety” via expressive and unique community murals. And finally, McKinley’s 21st Century Program demonstrated “Community Engagement” via a student-organized supplies drive for people experiencing homelessness.
To continue August’s report of progress, Yolanda Van announced LBNA & La Casa’s next project, My Front Porch, a multifunctional outdoor space for meeting and community building. The intention is to turn empty lots on Crane and Stone Street into these innovative spaces, with the assistance of other community organizations such as the Zulu Nation and Rutgers Students.
The speakers suggested this specific neighborhood change is representative of a recognizable, recent shift in Newark towards community engagement.
“Change is a narrative of what Newark is and what the people are.” Thais Marques of Newark Student Union remarked.
August said at the end of his closing remarks: “There is change in this neighborhood. We’re taking control to make it what we want it to be.”
