David Allison
I’ve been reading a book called Unruly Places by Alastair Bonnett (2014). In one chapter, the author highlights quilombos—places in Brazil settled during the 1700s-1800s by individuals who had formerly been enslaved. These primarily Black Brazilian communities have experienced a resurgence in interest and scholarship in recent years. One statement from Bonnett was noteworthy to me.
“Quilombos are not remnants of something gone but places that look to the past to define their present. It’s something that all living places do. It can sometimes mean that they appear to be more interested in preserving tradition than inventing new ones. But that is a risk worth taking—indeed it is a risk that has to be taken if places are to be communities, something more than just spaces of temporary individual habitation. Without the binding presence of the past, places are emptied of a meaningful future.” (p. 162)
I liked much of the sentiment built into this statement, especially the contrast between communities and spaces of temporary individual habitation. I think the American peripatetic tendency combined with the transitory nature of suburbs and jobs in the 21st century conspire to degrade community. Moreover, we tend not to quickly trust or even spend much time with our neighbors. However, I feel that the work of FoBH and the Looking Back for a Vision Forward series can help to reforge any weakened and broken community identity for Broomfield. Thank you for your efforts toward this noble goal!
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