On June 12, CSNDC’s Executive Director, Gail Latimore, received the Community Engagement Award from the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) at its 58th Annual Dinner.
“I am honored and humbled,” said Gail in her acceptance speech. “Thank you for this recognition.”
Gail acknowledged the role models who inspired her to care for her community. This includes her father, who worked in construction and expressed satisfaction with a job well done, and her mother who instilled the same values. Gail also pointed to Mrs. Daniels, the community activist on her street growing up in Roxbury, who tirelessly organized people and resources to ensure that children had vibrant and healthy play spaces and activities.
“These are the lessons that I learned from, and through osmosis took into my adult work life: that people working together can get things done for the collective,” said Gail. “Throughout my time at CSNDC, I’ve tried to speak out on community needs and develop active and impactful partnerships.”
Gail reiterated the need for the community development field to double down on racial equity and mentioned how CSNDC is engaged in legal challenges to further this goal. She challenged her peers stating that while thought leadership is important, it’s not sufficient and activism is needed to stem the growing injustices happening now.
