Community and Memphis

Being raised in Memphis my entire life, I love stories of events or times in the city.  The article, Memphis Building Community, really stands out to me.  Gloria Wade-Gayles speaks of growing up in the South Memphis community of Foote Homes housing projects.  This is a community that has been home to many people and generations over the years.  In the city of Memphis people seem to enjoy showing the pride they have for their community.  Wade-Gayles is the same, saying how the community was cleana because people took the time to clean their porches and shine their doorknobs.  They cared about the appearance of the community.  She spoke of how you did not have to leave home to get a haircut or your hair fix.  People knew who lived in their neighborhoods.  Children were out playing in the community.  Even though they were oppressed, you could not tell unless you knew their address.

I read this and I still see the pride in what community you are from in Memphis.  What I do not see is people taking care of the community like they use to.  Even as times have change for the better, Foote Homes and other projects in the city begin to take on a more stereotypical look for a housing project.  Why hasn't the same pride in looking as good as higher economic areas sustained?  It is a question that crosses my mind everyday.  Maybe it really isn't a community anymore because of the people.  Maybe they all do not have the same goals in mind.