Soapblogger, Karyl Cunningham, heads Emanuel Community Center in Over-the-Rhine. This week, she shares her views on how Community Centers like Emanuel can connect young professionals, families and old and new neighbors in a transitional community like OTR. Using values instilled from her own community center experiences as a child, Cunningham wants Emanuel to become the core hub of community engagement in this growing and changing neighborhood.
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Soapblog 3: Emanuel - The Connection
Posted By: Karyl Cunningham
10/1/2009
My greatest hope would be that the true essence of diversity will flourish and that the Center will play a strong role in bringing divergent groups together in creating a synergy like no other - so that all, no matter their socio-economic level, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity can play a role in the betterment of community that will positively impact and lead to not only a vibrant, safe and stabilized community, but also a stronger downtown Cincinnati.
By the year 2015, I would like to see Emanuel Community Center’s name mentioned in the same breath as that of Music Hall and Memorial Hall and seen as the core hub of community engagement, offering a variety of workshops and unique presentations, it will be a place that encourages education, shared learning experiences and diversity; a place where you can conduct business and have a cup of cappuccino; a place where you can listen to a nice jazz set on a warm spring or summer evening; a place that I can bring my child, while I go listen to the embracing sounds of the symphony or “Rigoletto” sung in the original Italian version; a place where after a day of playing chess in Washington Park - I look over and see the wrought iron tables and chairs under the red and white umbrellas - where I can get a glass of lemonade and just chill. A place where I can meet my neighbors to discuss ideas for the next event in the park, as well as other community issues; a place where young professionals can connect on specific opportunities focused on or around the Over-the-Rhine community, which is an artery of our great city.
Emanuel Community Center recognizes this missing piece, and is interested in bringing together young adults from all walks of life to our historic center and neighborhood. Come visit us and become a part of helping us advance our mission, our community, our city and our region.
This is Emanuel. This is our Legacy.