Introducing: Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens

When I got the news that Richmond's Center for Neighborhood Empowerment and Enterprise Development (C-NEED) had started a blog, I added them to my blogroll quick. That was before I realized that their online anti-poverty platform was forming under the moniker: Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens. I've blogged about these foods often and even grew some myself this year, but C-NEED does a better job of relating these culinary touchstones to the social justice issues that continue to plague Richmond.

Why Black Eyed Peas & Collard Greens?

The year 2008 represents new beginnings. As we stand on the cusp of new leadership locally, nationally and abroad, we can’t help but to reflect on our history and how this nation was built.

"Black Eyed Peas" symbolize many things but in this case, the small dark portion of the pea is like Black folk. We are viewed as small and not unified and as a result issues that affect our communities are not being heard.

"Collard Greens" represent the "Economic Growth" of our communities as result of our actions to get those running for political office to address our issues. Empowering our community to overcome and resolve the things which keep us from economic prosperity, we can build (“Healthy & Green”) communities.

"Black Eyed Peas & Collard Greens" has been created for the "People" to be heard, through meaningful conversations and debates about issues affecting our community with the intentions of seeing effective and notable results.

Take a look at this new blog and vote in their poll to develop a platform for lobbying local officials and candidates. If "change" is the top priority in our national elections, then there is no reason every community in Richmond shouldn't expect to benefit fully from an upgrade in pay, education, and public health. On second thought, let's not wait for Washington. Let's bring change to Richmond by working together to solve our own problems.