2024 RAP W/ YA REP’

Initiation:

A Commission Meeting: The journey began with a pivotal commission meeting, sparking discussions on re-zoning neighborhoods and addressing the real opportunity costs associated with gentrification.

Thredz actively participates in City of Muskegon planning and commission meetings. They helped postpone the vote to rezone Jackson Hill, McLaughlin and Angell Neighborhoods by securing over 250 resident signatures.

Critical Inquiry:

A Question Arises: Thredz posed a fundamental question - "Gentrification—What is the REAL Opportunity Cost to Us?" This question fueled the organization's commitment to addressing the challenges of gentrification.

Strategic Vision:

Visionary Approach: Thredz formulated a visionary approach to community development, emphasizing "Investment w/ Justice" as the catalyst for all social equity and community development initiatives.

Preemptive Response:

Formation of Coalition: 3 Neighborhoods 1 Community (3N1C): Recognizing the impending impact of gentrification in Angell, Jackson Hill, and McLaughlin neighborhoods, 3N1C, (also known as 3N1Community) emerged to provide Hope·Access·Purpose our most Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals living within our Black, Indigenous and Latine (BIL) Majority Communities.

Dedication: 

Ever Evolving:  As 3N1Community expanded in territory and inclusion, it evolved into the community engagement department of what is now 501c3 organization Thredz.

Thredz is dedicated to engaging and collaborating effectively across all eight BIL Majority Neighborhoods in the City of Muskegon, the entire City of Muskegon Heights and its leadership for community sustainability, growth, and viability.

Strategic Collaborations:

Northeastern University Report: Thredz commissioned a report from Northeastern University, providing concrete ways for local government and community collaboration.

Investment w/ Justice Events: The organization created Impactful Engagement & Networking opportunities through various community events for Racial & Social Equity changes. 

Including: 

·  Town hall: “Gentrification: What’s the Real Opportunity Cost to you?” 

·  Community Screening of documentary, “Priced Out, The Portland, OR Story w/ Special Guest Journalist/Producer Cornelius Swartz 

·  Investment w/ Justice Community Release & Forum 

·  Rap w/ Ya Rep’ Community Vision Board Party w/ Keynote President Obama Mentor Jerry Kellman & Local Elected Officials Panelist 

·  3N1Community created qualitative and quantitative Multi-Jurisdictional Cross Sector Visioning Taskforce to understand & create community driven initiatives that include Capital Investments, Community Preservation/Beautification, education, Housing, Economic opportunity and Youth Concerns. 

·  2023 Cooperative Economics & Racial Wealth Parity Fair 

·  90’s House Party & Resource Expo w/ Expert National Panel on Education in Gentrification & Community Driven Solutions.

Community & Organizational Support:

Together We Advocate as 1: Thredz garnered support in building capacity in advancing community development FIRSTLY from it’s Community!

Adding, supportive organizations and businesses such as MPHI, DHHS, Webb Chemical, Jackson Hill/McLaughlin Neighborhood Associations, Muskegon Community Foundation, Muskegon Health Equity Council, Black Voters Matter Fund, Walmart, Main Street Loan Fund, NCRC, WUVS 103.7 The Beat, Livability Lab and United Way of Lakeshore, to align resources w/ effort to gain greater perspective and innovative solutions to investing in justice.

Ongoing Initiatives:

Positive Generational Change: Thredz works to create positive generational change, supporting ecosystems for equitable access, racial wealth parity, and housing sustainability that “Strengthen ourselves from within.”