A mix of community leaders, local residents as well as politicians both local and statewide, gathered together in the previously neglected neighborhood of Cherry Hill, on the South West side of Baltimore to celebrate the inauguration of the Cherry Hill neighborhood and community into the prestigious Purpose Built Communities network on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
It was a festive atmosphere on the grounds of Arundel Elementary School in Baltimore’s Cherry Hill as the community gathered to mark the milestone. It has taken five years of work laying the groundwork, leading to the Cherry Hill community being accepted into the prestigious Purpose Built Communities network, an alliance of over 25 neighborhoods across the country united in a proven, holistic approach to community revitalization.
Under a sunny spring sky, tents showcased the four fundamental “pillars” at the heart of the Purpose Built Communities model: mixed-income housing, cradle-to-college education, community wellness initiatives, and cultivating economic vitality. Each pillar represents a crucial component for breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty through comprehensive neighborhood transformation.
The celebratory mood reflected both the years of effort to reach this milestone and the unlimited optimism for Cherry Hill’s future empowered by this new national partnership. As speakers took the stage, the enthusiasm was palpable.
“Our entry into the Purpose Built Communities network culminates all the fantastic work done over the past several years by residents, leaders, and various stakeholders,” says Zeevelle Nottingham-Lemon, Founding Executive Director of Cherry Hill Strong. “We are honored to stand on the shoulders of giants and thrilled to bring more resources and opportunities to Cherry Hill through our four pillars of work, amplifying its people, heritage, and culture.”
“Cherry Hill Strong is currently doing transformative work in the Cherry Hill neighborhood,” added Carol Naughton, Chief Executive Officer of Purpose Built Communities. “Backed by our proven Purpose Built Communities model, Cherry Hill Strong can take this work to the next level through a holistic, long-term neighborhood effort to help address deeply seated structural economic and racial inequities driven by residents and in partnership with members of the community. We are delighted to have Cherry Hill Strong join our Network Member family.”
Carol Naughton, CEO of Purpose Built Communities, welcomed Cherry Hill into the network, praising the community’s clear vision and commitment. “Cherry Hill Strong is already doing transformative work,” she said. “Backed by our proven model, they can take this to the next level through a holistic, long-term effort driven by residents.”
That resident-led approach resonated with remarks from elected leaders. Governor Wes Moore proclaimed May 22 as “Cherry Hill Strong Day,” tying the neighborhood’s efforts to his administration’s new ENOUGH Act to dismantle concentrated poverty statewide.
“Those closest to the problems are closest to the solutions,” Gov. Moore stated, “and the dedicated people of Cherry Hill Strong have a clear vision for transformation. Together, we will build new pathways to prosperity.”
After witnessing its impact elsewhere, Senate President Bill Ferguson highlighted his longtime support for catalyzing the Purpose Built Communities strategy locally. “This proven model disrupts cycles of poverty by aligning grassroots leadership with strategic investment and support,” he said. “It’s a proud day to celebrate Cherry Hill joining this nationwide movement.”
For Cherry Hill residents like Cathy McClain, representing the Cherry Hill Community Coalition, the day crystalized over a dozen years of advocacy finally bearing fruit. “When I moved here in 2010, I knew we had to rebuild this neighborhood from the ground up based on resident priorities,” McClain shared. “Joining this national network shows we’re not just talking anymore – we’re taking action and realizing that vision.”
The newly opened Cherry Hill Strong offices will serve as a community hub coordinating the implementation of the ambitious neighborhood transformation plan. Early progress already underway includes: new mixed-income housing redevelopment breaking ground; partnership with ACCE educational nonprofit for afterschool/summer programs; a community health worker initiative and new clinic with Healthcare for the Homeless; and a small business incubator with the University of Baltimore.
As the festivities concluded, children joyfully played on the school’s playground and elderly residents chatted over refreshments— all looking forward to Cherry Hill’s new reality taking shape through the powerful model that has proved effective in communities like Atlanta’s East Lake and Indianapolis’ Avondale Meadows.
“We’ve planted the seeds, now it’s time to really cultivate a flourishing Cherry Hill for generations to come,” said Dr. Joshua Michael, Cherry Hill Strong’s Board Chair. “This is just the first blossoming – there’s so much more growth ahead.”
With new national backing, local leadership, and steadfast resolve, the celebrated new beginning in Cherry Hill promises a revitalized future is taking root.
Karanja is a former Wall Street analyst and consultant, a journalist and Pan African activist who writes on issues of global geopolitics as it pertains to people of African descent globally, as well as politics, economics, finance and tech! Karanja is also a tech founder and CEO of Enkaare LLC.