UPTOWNflavor

Dear UF Readers:

Wow! What a fabulous week! I’ve personally experienced the highest of the highs, the lowest of the lows, and a lull period between the two extremes.  I have enjoyed the contributions of the writers, photographers, and the community at large for making this week one of the most fantastic that I can remember.

So, it seems that our theme for this year is change. Everyone has the I can do it attitude that is so necessary to take you to new heights. I hope that the euphoria that gripped the world (not just the nation!) continues to stay with us throughout the rest of this year and beyond.

Things have been rough for people in Harlem for a long time.  Despite educational achievements, job status, or the number of “toys” one has accumulated, it hasn’t been an easy journey.  But a change in attitude is what will get us through this difficult period.  Placing all the hatefulness and negativity that has permeated our community for far too long is what will facilitate the change.

To borrow a phrase from Prez-elect Obama, the fundamental basis of changing a community is to be willing to jump in the throws of the chaos and get our hands dirty.  That means being willing to get involved with your neighbors to find a solution to the violence and litter on your block, or getting involved with organizations like the Harlem Children’s Zone to support their mission. Your energy and initiative might be infectious enough to rub off on someone else.  You never know.

It has been an old catch-phrase that we’ve all heard repeatedly, but change begins with you.  To paraphrase Gandhi’s philosophy, you are the change you want to see in the world. I wanted to read more positive stories of change taking place in the community where I live, so I created UPTOWNflavor.  What has your change been?

- D. Bell