City lake

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Douglas Block Festival

 

Photo copyrighted to James Smith (2011 (c) jamestsmith72@gmail.com)

Today I decide to attend and photography the Douglas Block and Haramabee Festival in Rocky Mount, NC. Well the work on the Douglas is almost complete, The Block looks great.

As I walk around taking photographs of the folks whom attended this event, I was saddened to see that racial lines in Rocky Mount still exists today. Douglas Block back in its early days was the hub for local African-Americans Businesses and Social life. Over time as Rocky Mount grew, many changes happen to the Douglas black and the rest of Downtown Rocky Mount.

During its golden age, the Douglas Block was brimming with economic activities and entrepreneurial spirit. It was the heart of the community. On Saturday afternoon you could find everything from clothes to doctors, food to entertainment, dancing and plenty of jazz, and see all your friends along the way. It was a community full of spirit, diversity, and an incredible hub of commerce, culture and entertainment. (to learn more click here)

Most of Downtown Rocky Mount is wore down and falling apart. The City Council decided to revive Down Town in hopes that new life would be brought back to downtown.

It was sad to see that Many of Rocky Mount white citizens didn't show up to support their city efforts to put Rocky Mount back on the map and to proudly say once again, Rocky Mount, The City on the Rise. Yes they are trying to Rise from their ashes of the past into a better future.

Downtown Festival

Harambee Festival is still going on strong. More great music and vendors have arrive, one is selling green candy apples they look so good. Those whom didn't show, you are missing a lot of fun.
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People starting to have fun

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More folks are showing up

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Downtown Festival

For a much talked about festival tied in with the grand opening of the Douglas Block not much is happening at all here. (at that time)

There is about two vendors here. Those that present are the Boys and Girl clubs of Nash and Edgecombe Counties, the food vendors, three gift type vendors and Great Healthy. With more on the way, I'm sure.

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Trail work at Battle Park

City has money problems like most cities, however they found money to rip up parts of the Battle Park walking trail and I guess soon will be laying a new asphalt one.

photo is copyrighted to James Smith (c)jamestsmith72@gmail.com..

The Douglas Block Project, is it worth the Money?

The Douglas Block is a public-private redevelopment project that will result in a thriving commercial center in Downtown Rocky Mount. Phase One of the Douglas Block calls for the renovation of six historically significant buildings, all of which comprised the African American business district of the downtown area in the early to mid-1900’s. The $8 million effort to redevelop this site has been financed by a combination of historic tax credits, new market tax credits, a Section 108 HUD Loan, and public investment. This special financing structure allows for unique and remarkable opportunities for locating your business at the Douglas Block.

Today was the so-called grand opening of this Block Happen. There was nice crowd of folks at this event.

Which by the way is noway finish at all. Yes, Most of the buildings are done and sidewalk is down, however No lamp posts are in yet, The road in front on of the Main Douglas Block Building isn't yet finish at all.  Landscaping is a joke, unless you truly love pine straw.

One of the Building have a large facade area damage, which I guess happen during the brick laying for the sidewalks, which is excellently done. So far the sidewalk are the best part of this Project..

Enjoy the Slide show...