Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 16 February 2001 — Page 2

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2001

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Black History Month

Simply the best Rev. Rubin Fields (second from left) and Charles Montgomery (second from right) accept the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development “Simply the Best” Award from HUD Assistant Secretary Carded Cooper (far left) and HUD Deputy Secretary Saul Rameriz (far right). Ravenbrook Townhomes receive national, city honors

Special to The Recorder Ravenbrook Townhomes, located at the northeast comer of 38th Street and Central Avenue, recently were recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Indianapolis. The Martin Luther King Community Development Corp. and Ravenbrook Widow Missionary Baptist Bible Church, partners in the project, received a “Simply the Best” Award during HUD’tjfcst Practices and Technical Assistance Sympo-

sium 2000 in Washington. The two organizations also were recognized with an Achievement Award for Project/Community Development during The Mayor's Neighborhood Awards late last year. The Ravenbrook Townhomes, two buildings with 15 twobedroom units, replaced the deteriorating apartment building that previously stood at the corner. Also as part of the Ravenbrook project, two duplexes with four three-bedroom units were completed in the 3400

block of North Illinois Street. The $2 million development is the first major apartment investment in the area in many years, explained Charles Montgomery, president of MLKCDC. “We are grateful to the MLKCDC and Charles to be able to accomplish this project for the people to motivate an attitude of community improvement throughout the area," said Rev. Rubin Fields, pastor of Ravenbrook Widow Missionary Baptist Bible Church. . . r-, V -• J ft ■

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those that follow behind them, he suggests. Una Osili, Vop's wife, was bom in the United States with a similar background as her husband. Her father was bom in Nigeria, her mother is American. Since birth, exposure to her African heritage has left a lasting impression on Una's appreciation for her people. “You know a sense of history and your place in history,” she said, recalling the heartfelt stories about her ancestors. This tradition also details how people must give back to their communities through helping others. Her father, for instance, is responsible for educating members of his family, and frequently brings his relatives to the U.S. for college as well as provides support in Africa. Before Una took off for college herself, the elders gave her advice and encouragement. “You are surrounded by people who have achieved phenomenal things. There are role models everywhere,” says Una. Despite the closeknit family ties, she admits that economic challenges in Africa may pose a threat to the people’s livelihood. While conducting lectures as an economics professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Una has examined health problems such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and river blindness. For many diseases, she says, public awareness is needed to prevent and cure symptoms. Foreign aid for vaccinations and medicines must become available to eliminate diseases. A lack of leadership and vision may also contribute to less attention to human needs and overall growth. Although Zaire is rich in diamonds and other minerals, Una recognizes that it represents one of the poorest countries in Africa.

By establishing better governments and institutions, she hopes Africa will continue to prosper. “Blacks have resilience as a people,” admitted Una, focusing her attention on the plight of African Americans in the U.S. “There's a lot that Africans and African Americans can gain from working together.” During apartheid in South Africa, she remembers how Blacks in America played a major role in providing aid. This tradition of fighting for equality and human rights, she added, must address the huge gaps in income and wealth for African Americans in comparison to other racial groups. Blacks must understand how the financial system works and invest assets to lower persistent wealth gaps, she advises. “Africans have gone in one direction and African Americans have gone in another," says Una. noting the importance of eliminating barriers between the two groups. The common heritage cannot be denied or ignored. Thd Osili's 10-month-old son. Arince has already visited Africa. His parents want to expose him to his rich culture and heritage. He was welcomed by his father’s Ebo tribe, in which Arince also belongs as required by a family tradition. According to the Osili’s, African Americans must gain access to their cultural past and embrace the legacy of greatness. The couple insists that Blacks have a valued heritage beyond slavery, and must lend a helping hand to their fellow brothers and sisters. “People who have achieved some type of success must give back," said Una, perhaps summing up her pride in her African people and respect for African American perseverance.