The Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation (SCNTR) is rooted in the power of community. The Neophytes Block Club in East Selma, a dedicated group committed to nurturing and expanding the beloved community is a perfect example of the work the SCNTR does. On March 30, 2024, they organized a unique event that combined fun, civic engagement, and community building: a Voter Registration Drive and Easter Egg Hunt.
Fostering Community and Civic Engagement
It all started back on January 5, 2024, when current members of the East Selma Neophytes Block Club gathered to brainstorm ways to attract more members. They understood the importance of creating space for people to learn more and get involved with the Beloved Community Block Club program centered around supporting community power-building and community engagement. At one of the monthly bracelet-making workshops led by club member Brenda Hannah club members decided that they wanted to do something bigger for the spring, something that would not only bring the community together but also emphasize the importance of voting and ensuring representation in local politics.
They came up with an idea of that combined a Voter's Registration Drive with an Easter Egg Hunt and started to plan.
After weeks of planning they gathered community at the East Selma Park on Division Street, and created something beautiful. Delighted to find that many attendees were already registered voters, the club managed to recruit 24 new members, a testament to the community's enthusiasm and support for the block club's initiatives. The Easter Egg Hunt was a hit among the children, with over 75 participants enjoying the search for hidden treasures. The event was made possible through the generous donations of chips, sodas, water, and eggs by club members, the THRT department of SCNTR, and Black Voters Matter.
A Continuing Legacy of Community Building
The Voter's Registration Drive and Easter Egg Hunt is more than just a one-time event; it's a reflection of the ongoing commitment of the East Selma Neophytes Block Club and SCNTR to strengthen community bonds and promote civic responsibility. It's a reminder that every effort, big or small, contributes to the larger goal of building a beloved community where everyone feels valued and engaged.
As we move forward, the SCNTR and the Neophytes Block Club remain dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and support among the residents of East Selma and the city at large. Through events like these, we continue to weave the fabric of a community that is united, informed, and resilient.
What are Beloved Community Block Clubs?
The Beloved Community Block Clubs incorporate aspects of education, workforce development, community economic development, an increase in civic engagement, and the connection of people within a community.
By communicating with their neighbors about the issues that are impacting them, residents will begin to build power, providing them the ability to advocate for the change they want to see from their elected officials and protect their neighborhood.
Through their participation and advocacy, residents will learn more about the electoral process, opening doors for increased civic engagement in both voting and potentially representing their community.
Join us in our mission to create a world where nonviolence, truth, and reconciliation lead the way to a brighter, more inclusive future. Your support and participation make all the difference. Together, we can build a community that thrives on love, justice, and mutual respect.
To learn more or to get involved, contact Beloved Community Block Club Navigator Felicia Gill at fgill@selmacntr.org. You can also sign up to get regular updates about the work happening with Beloved Community Block Clubs by signing up for our monthly newsletter, and if you can, please consider donating to support this work.
