These simple and powerful words by poet Irena Klepfisz captured the spirit that was shared at HOME’s 42nd Annual Meeting. Supporters of fair housing gathered at the Buffalo Convention Center last April 13th to celebrate past accomplishments and to strengthen their commitment to civil rights.
Unlike the meetings in recent memory, this celebration did not involve “big name” speakers, visiting dignitaries, dance, or theatre. Other than the sounds of Henri Muhammed’s Muhammad String School of Music, there was no ‘outside’ entertainment. Instead, HOME honored our true heroes: the nearly 500 members who form the backbone of the organization. Those who have been members for over 20 years were given certificates and honored by a slide show that played continuously throughout the reception and inner.
Where we came from
The keynote address was given by three of HOME’s most distinguished members: Mamie Beale Johnson, Leeland Jones, Jr., and George Hezel. (Excerpts of their remarks are found elsewhere in this issue). All three of the speakers are examples of living history: they have all made considerable contributions to civil rights throughout their lives and continue to contribute to and inspire the current generation’s efforts to build a community free from discrimination.
The James Crawford Award for Outstanding Service to HOME in the cause of fair housing was given to another example of living history: long-term member Elizabeth G. Clark, Esq. An attorney with Hogson, Russ, she currently chairs HOME’s Nominating Committee. She was a tester for HOME until joining the Board in 1993.
Where we are now
Chair Charles C. Thomas III gave his report which took a look back at this tumultuous year in HOME’s history. Mention was made a successful resolution in the case against Marine Drive. He also spoke about the shocking cuts in funding that have led to a reduction in HOME’s staff. He noted that dispite all the struggles the agency is currently involved in, he is confident that HOME will persevere. After all, HOME has weathered budget crises and political attacks in the past, but since 1963 has never stopped working for civil rights in our community.
Where we are going
HOME’s long-term members provide a link to the past and inspire us in the present. The two Joanne Champion Granger Scholarship winners Anthony L. White II, a senior at Williamsville North High School, and Jessica Kroecker, of Holland Central High School, are our bridge to the future. They are living proof that the work for civil rights will continue into the next generation.
In his award-winning essay, first place winner Anthony L. White used the phrase “liberty and justice for all” to describe the purpose for his life. He began this quest at age eight when he moved from middle to a low income neighborhood and saw the effects of institutional discrimination on the community and the individuals in it. The people he now associated with appeared to accept the inferior treatment. He began to change this by talking one-on-one with his peers and then founding a neighborhood organization “Young Brothers United.” His commitment to justice for all did not waiver and in high school as the first African-American class president, he worked to “be the bridge between cultural gaps.”
In a passionate essay about working with people with developmental disabilities, Jessica Crocker states: “My goal is to help give those who have no voice a voice and also hear them when no one else will listen. I want to help them have a freedom to …fight for their own rights independently.” In addition to a well rounded mix of musical and academic achievement, Ms. Crocker spent her entire high school career in service to others through her membership in Key Club, her bible club, her church, and by holding class offices.
Election of board members and officers is another integral part of insuring that HOME’s work will continue into the future. Reelected as officers were Charles C. Thomas III, chair; Janet E. Barnes, President; Stephen B. Karnath, Esq., senior vice president; H. Christine Kregg, Vice President; Lance A. Fertig, secretary and Michael D. Riegel, treasurer.
Re-elected to the HOME Board of Directors were Grace Andriette, Mary Ellen Brockmyre, Elizabeth Clark, Diana Cooke, Susan Fayle, Eunice Jackson, Leah Mervine, Juan Carlos Valentine, Yvette Viera and Steven Weiss. New on board are Rita A. Capezzi, Ph.D, Rosalie Covial Susan Gaska, and Camille Hopkins.
