Cultivating cooperation, community, and change

 

Happy summer and Independence Month, Monitor readers.

I was in high school when we celebrated America’s 200th birthday of Independence from Britain. And, now almost 250 years later, Fredrick Douglass’ eloquent, courageous, and historic 4th of July speech/address is still relevant today, particularly, when we look at the facts of our social, economic, health, housing, and other daily disparities. I’m sharing a few words from Mr. Douglass from 1852:

“… the Declaration of Independence is the RINGBOLT to the chain of your nation’s destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost… The signers of the Declaration of Independence were brave men. They were great men too – great enough to give fame to a great age. It does not often happen to a nation to raise, at one time, such a number of truly great men. The point from which I am compelled to view them is not, certainly the most favorable; and yet I cannot contemplate their great deeds with less than admiration. They were statesmen, patriots and heroes, and for the good they did, and the principles they contended for, I will unite with you to honor their memory. They loved their country better than their own private interests; and, though this is not the highest form of human excellence, all will concede that it is a rare virtue, and that when it is exhibited, it ought to command respect. He who will, intelligently, lay down his life for his country, is a man whom it is not in human nature to despise. Your fathers staked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, on the cause of their country. In their admiration of liberty..”

To hear more of Fredrick Douglass’ 4th of July message go to https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/nations-story-what-slave-fourth-july or just Google Fredrick Douglass.

And, in the spirit of Independence, Liberty, Justice, and Self-Determination, I asked a transplant to Minnesota to share a fresh perspective on what he has been seeing and experiencing in the Twin Cities, particularly in St. Paul and the Rondo area. Thank you, Gary Hampton

 

“Over the past few weeks, there have been numerous opportunities to experience and share in the positive developments happening in the Saint Paul and Rondo communities. Just a few weeks back, the National Conference on the Black Cooperative Agenda took place at Union Depot in St. Paul. This event brought together local and national organizations, as well as individuals, to share in the cooperative spirit. This spirit is something I’ve experienced since relocating to the Twin Cities, through the relationships I’ve developed with community members in St. Paul. In particular, Melvin and Metric Giles, the Urban Farm and Garden Alliance (UFGA), and Hannah Lewis, Renewing the Countryside (RTC) have been instrumental in this journey. Their work in community building through urban agriculture and climate initiatives has been a blessing.

The conference’s location in St. Paul was fitting, and it showcased the vision and spirit of Melvin Carter, Jr., who envisions St. Paul as a focal point for future cooperative development in Minnesota and potentially on a national level. As an active champion of cooperative community, business and economic development, my heart was full as I participated and contributed to the energy and success of the conference. It was definitely the right place for such an event.

The conference resonated with the cooperative spirit of the community and the urban agriculture sector, as participants discussed food sovereignty, systems, and solutions that can lead to greater food security for all. As the conference concluded, we had the opportunity to share our experiences at the Association of Cooperative Educators conference in Bismarck, N.D. This was a great chance to highlight the positive developments in St. Paul. Melvin Giles and I shared insights about how the community is fostering cooperation through agriculture and climate initiatives.

We discussed the role of Renewing the Countryside (RTC) as a community partner in supporting urban agriculture farmers and growers. We also highlighted the mini-forest project and green screen installation in the Rondo community at Pilgrim Baptist Church, a historic site on the Underground Railroad. The green screen and mini-forest will serve as lasting symbols of what community cooperation and collaboration can achieve. The Urban Farm and Garden Alliance, RTC, the University of Minnesota, Maxfield Elementary School, Great River Greening, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources all contributed to the research and installation of these projects. A year ago, the community-centered initiative was in the community engagement and research phase, focusing on intergenerational input and participation. The green screen was planted in early May 2024 at Pilgrim Baptist Church, between the fence line and the urban farm on the property.

If you have the opportunity, visit the community to see firsthand how trust and cooperation have led to a collaborative, potentially transformative opportunity for both the community and the environment. The benefits range from protecting the soil of the urban farm from erosion during the off-growing season to improving air quality and reducing pollution, which often leads to higher asthma rates and respiratory issues in urban areas.

In closing, the initiatives in Rondo and St. Paul are bringing about agroecology and climate solutions that will provide value for generations to come. The Rondo community in St. Paul truly exemplifies the values of cooperation and shows how cooperative trust can lead to collaborative opportunities for change.” Gary Hampton, The Original Intertwingler

 

Keep the good thoughts, keep hope alive, and stay optimistic! Also, congratulations to the Sounds of Blackness music group for gifting 53 years of inspiring and pro-active tones, sounds, rhythm, lyrics, and energy to the Twin Cities, our country, and the world!

May Peace Be In the Rondo, Frogtown, Hamline/Midway, Como, and Surrounding Communities... May Peace Be In Our Homes and Communities… May Peace Prevail On Earth (MPPOE).