Introducing CULTURICITY and Dumas Relaunching
REDI: “Rural Economic Development Innovation” USDA 2019 National Grant Award
CULTURICITY, pronounced ‘Cul-tur-re-ci-ty.’ The Culture of the City, Community, State, Country or World
It’s 9-11 2024. We are 23 years beyond the attack on the World Trade Center and we are looking at our world gone wild. We have a ‘State of Emergency’ in our city, state, nation and world. This post with our focus and introduction of CULTURICITY is the start of change.
CULTURICITY had its inaugural day in Little Rock, Arkansas on June 23, 2024. On Little Rock Nine Way at the historic Little Rock Central High School, organizers and creators of CULTURICITY took a keen look at what a city, community, state, nation, world looks like from various viewpoints and perspectives beyond the Little Rock Nine and other movements. What is the culture in the Capitol City? Is it corrupt, or correct? Does it merely seek to model or mimic other communities, or does it model the Creator God, or His Son, Christ? With violence, murders and mass shootings happening in the streets from Dumas and cities across the nation, add to this, the war and violence in the Middle East, some are now looking more closely at the culture in our nation. What is God requiring when we are worshipping the creature more than the Creator? ‘We the People (of God)’ who live in cities from Dumas to D.C. must acknowledge that yes, culture is important, and we owe it to ourselves to do a close examination of how we look and what changes we need to make. NOW!
First, what does our culture look like to the citizens in our particular location or region? How is the food, the fashion, the faith fellowship or bond? How are the political parties embraced or lack thereof? Is the community united or divided? Do the leaders work together, or do they compete for personal or click(ish) gain? (It reminds me somewhat of the questions that Moses in the bible (Numbers 13:17-33) asked the 12 spies to go and gather such information as they prepared to search out the Promised Land.)
Next, in 2024, what does our culture look like to persons, corporations, institutions who live outside of the region? Who would want to come and live here? Some of us are looking closely and want to be the change. I’m looking at it and see the tragic moments. Our ministry under attack by another group, and yes, all in the name of God. (More on this later). Others are faced with cultural constrictions that must be addressed.
CULTURICITY at its heart, looks at how and why the culture is so important in getting things right and keeping it right from primarily, the biblical values and laws and then engage a constant check to make sure these values are known, engaged and adhered to. Love over hate and evil must prevail.
REDI, Rural Economic Development Innovation is a 2019, USDA Grant Award that was granted to 47 National Recipients. Dumas was the only city in Arkansas that received the award. The award provided technical assistance in conducting research, surveys, etc., regarding the needs of the residents. It provided several visits from leaders across the state representing USDA, colleges and universities, strategists and others who helped to develop a Strategic Plan under the oversight of Communities Unlimited.
During the time of research and strategic planning, the nation was hit by the pandemic of COVID-19 requiring the program leaders to pivot or end the program. Dumas REDI with The Legacy Center being the entity of record, and The College of Aspiring Artists, ASC Property Management as Backbone Partners, determined to pursue and lead the way. (Photo shown here from original Press Conference.)
The backbone partners shifted and acquired a grant from GoFresh Foods in collaboration with the National Farm to Family program and through a weekly distribution deal, REDI brought in over $750,000 in food and contributed nearly $250,000 in administration and in-kind services thus totaling one million dollars during the pandemic in relief to citizens of Dumas, McGehee, Dermott, Pine Bluff, Winchester, Mitchellville, and townships in between and beyond. With collaboration with UAM, SEARK College, local municipalities, schools, etc., the program proved to be extraordinarily successful.
At the end of the Pandemic, the survey was completed as well as the strategic plan. Health and Wellness Programs were added along with life-changing moments as well as lives saved. No monies were awarded and with a new administration in the Oval Office, the REDI vision lost some momentum. But a recent August update conveyed and confirmed that the REDI program remains active and can resume the work from Dumas and all across the state. A part of the plan allows coursework and pathways for creative talents and some recent progress with workforce development has been added. Earn while you learn will be a vital part of the program services as REDI prepares for grant-writing, endowments and joint-ventures.
The vision at present returns to the original plans of REDI with buy-ins from leaders who want the city and the state of Arkansas to prosper. Education, digital arts technology, economic and workforce development, the creative economy, housing and edutainment will be key drivers.
The REDI application required letters of support from all the above institutions, governmental agencies and community partners. REDI has on file strong letters of support from each entity.
Unfortunately, the ‘culture’ in the city exposed contamination with competition instead of collaboration. This created a delay in progress due to unnecessary recycling and restarting programs. The mission is to transform the culture, reunite and reconcile a community for the greater good for the ‘Now and Next’ generations.
REDI is looking forward to reconnecting with original partners and adding new program partners. A meeting will be announced on next week in the Dumas Clarion and social media inviting all present and future stakeholders to come together to look at best practices and ways to make all of Dumas, Desha and the Delta, the best cultural experience for all who live here and/or tour our hometown and region. For updates visit www.culturicity.today and do a google search on Culturicity and visit us on FaceBook.
