THE TIGER AND THE TORCH ebook

Community can also be described as a feeling, a mutual connection, or even an
emotional space where one feels at home. Because community can also be
intangible, the process of creating PLACE (Purpose, Leadership, Access, Choice
and Engagement) can be as complex as building a nest. At some point, though,
seemingly unrelated experiences can be woven together to make a safe and
welcoming place for people to live and learn.
An empty nest however conveys the
exact opposite and evokes a sense of
loss. Yet, it can also represent changes
in the environment or changing
seasons in life. Sometimes seasons
require staying put and other times,
seasons require moving elsewhere.
Migrations occur because of
environmental changes whereby the
current conditions aren’t suitable for
living. It’s the perpetual coming and
going that makes it possible for a bird
to determine the ideal location and
materials with which to build its home.
Image Credit: Junie Lee: Africana Book
Nests are temporary residences. Once the eggs have been laid and hatch, the
nest is often abandoned. 81 The advent of mandated desegregation with the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 82 prompted massive societal migrations. Many of the homes
that were built by Blacks, financed by Black banks and occupied by Black
families were quickly abandoned. The same also held true for businesses, parks
and schools. Highways were cut through the middle of predominantly or
exclusively Black neighborhoods in the name of progress. Although a new-found
freedom began to emerge, engagement took on a new form and many places in
the Black community wound up being empty nests.
ROAR! IT’ S BEEN SAID THAT HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF; HOWEVER,
“THERE IS NO REASON TO REPEAT BAD HISTORY.” 83
ELEANOR H OLMES NORTON
THE TIGER & THE TORCH Page | 57