Shaw Conversation(s) Update

Authored by: Chip Meyer, co-organizer of Shaw Conversations

The most recent Shaw Conversation (Monday, July 20) at the Shaw Community Center in Mullanphy School welcomed several new voices. The kick-off topic, “My Shaw is…,” encouraged folks to share during the open-mic portion of the conversation. These testimonies sparked discussion of how people experience different aspects of Shaw, experience them differently, and value different aspects of the neighborhood and its community.

Some attendees reflected on 25-year-old history of the neighborhood, which 20-year residents found enlightening; there were suggestions for a Shaw Neighborhood History Museum. Another suggestion from the discussion was “Say Hello and Wave” (SHAW). This discussion emphasized talking to neighbors you may not know, visiting local businesses, volunteering in the neighborhood, dealing with issues face to face, and other ways to engage and get to know fellow Shaw residents. Other notable points of discussion included the changed and changing nature of the neighborhood, the differing and sometimes conflicted value we find in it, and the causes and consequences of gentrification.

While the Conversation did attract a few new participants, we still want more voices in the room. Please be on the lookout for announcements of the next Conversation and invite neighbors of all ages to help make connections in our community. We also welcome feedback on this post about what you would like to see occur in the future (either event-wise or other ideas).