Greene Center
Holds "Open House"
There was absolutely
no way a heavy rain downpour would dissuade hundreds of community
residents, local and federal government officials from attending
Open House and dedication ceremonies for UPO’s Ralph Waldo
“Petey” Greene Community Service Center in the southeast
section of Washington, DC.
The January 10, 2000 event saw the neighborhood development center
return to a section of the city that it had some years before
called home.
Now located in a spacious facility at 2907 Martin Luther King,
Jr. Avenue, SE, the 6000 square foot facility is situated in the
midst of the bustling Congress Heights community, an area where
many of the Center’s residents live.
Local WTTG FOX-TV 5 media personality Andrew Humphries was on
hand to serve as the event’s master of ceremonies as UPO’s
Board President Russell Simmons formally welcomed the assemblage.
Nathaniel Howard, president of the Greene Center’s Neighborhood
Advisory Council, reminded the public that both UPO and the Greene
Center are carrying out their duties and doing something to assist
the community. “What can one organization do?” he asked,
speaking about UPO, adding “this day is about unconditional
love for the community.”
Students from the area’s Hart Middle School were on hand
to provide several rousing musical selections.
The assemblage was thrilled when “Petey Greene’s widow,
Ms. Judy Greene spoke, introducing her son, Petey III and the
grandchild, Petey IV.
Ward Eight City Councilperson Sandra “Sandy” Allen was
thrilled that UPO had moved the Center to a larger facility. “This
is the cornerstone of moving forward in Ward Eight,” she
said noting the many positive changes that are occurring.
DC Representative Eleanor Holmes-Norton was delighted with the
new facility observing “What is happening here today should
raise the spirit of everyone in this ward (Ward-8) and in this
city.” Ms. Norton advised the audience that Ward Eight is
“where the action is” noting the boom in construction
and other development projects currently underway or in the planning
stages. “There is change all over Ward Eight,” she noted,
“more renewal - more hope.”
Ward 8’s legendary statesperson Wilhelminia Rolark spoke
also observing how her community is changing. Ms. Rolark, a former
Ward Eight City Councilperson, heads the United Black Fund which
recently relocated its headquarters from downtown Washington to
the Ward 8 community.
Finally, Greene Center Branch Chief Thelma Brown introduced the
Center’s staff and thanked all who assisted in the move and
for the day’s event. “We all worked on this project
for a very long time” she said, thanking everyone for their
support.
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Other articles - this issue
1. Celebrating
the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
More that 1000 United Planning Organization
friends and supposters joined together ...
4. UPO's Greene Center Holds
Open House
There was absolutely
no way a heavy rain downpour would dissuade hundreds of ...
UPO REPORTER
Published by the United
Planning Organization
401 M Street, SW Washington, DC 20024
President: Russell D. Simmons
Executive Director: Benjamin Jennings
Writer/Editor: Harvey N. Johnson III
Click here for main "REPORTER" page
