IN THE SPIRIT OF THE FOUNDERS AWARD WINNER Amani United Key in Revitalization The neighborhood resident group partners closely with Dominican Center to build a better future
Each year the Dominican Center honors one individual or organization for our “In the Spirit of the Founders Award,” which recognizes those whose work and service in the Amani neigh- borhood aligns with that of our founders, the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa. This year we are honoring Amani United, a diverse group of Amani residents determined to move forward toward a healthy and sustainable community. Amani United was formed as a response to the Building Neighborhood Capacity Program as part of the White House’s Revitalization Initiative. The organization was created to foster more resident involvement in Amani. The BNCP project provid- ed a catalyst for the advancement of community groups in Amani. From its early days, Dominican Center encouraged all residents to join its First Saturday Meeting that meets monthly to address and see solutions to neighborhood issues. Amani United also serves as an incubator for community leadership. In its first year, Amani United saw 30 sustaining members and more than 700 residents participated in Amani Unit- ed activities. Since it’s inception, Amani United has grown and now serves their neighbors with
29 Block Ambassadors, committee chairs and officers. In 2023, 1,667 residents were engaged in meetings and events. One of the first Amani United projects was the revitalization of Moody Park. In 2002 the Moody Park pool was closed, and the park became a public nuisance and crime site. For years local organizations and elected officials worked to restore the park to no avail. The newly formed Amani United, supported by Dominican Center and COA, worked collectively and collaborative- ly to reopen Moody Park. Construction started in March 2015 and the park re-opening was Aug. 20, 2015. The Dominican Center, Amani United and Friends of Moody Park organized the opening event. In the summer of 2021 there was a community effort led by Elizabeth Brown, the chair for the Friends of Moody Park, and Active Co. to revitalize the basketball courts. Artist Jamahl Turner, found- er of Art Fu Yung, created the community-mind- ed design and volunteers from the community helped paint the court. In 2023, Amani United led the way for the revitalization and re-naming of Al Jarreau Park, formerly Cawker Park.
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