(NDG Wire) To say that American citizens have weak appetites for the current political climate of Washington DC is a conservative view at best. Endless reports of congressional gridlock and visceral attacks have breeded disillusionment and apathy, and have caused many to question our government’s priorities. What people long for is evidence of cooperation between the political parties for the sake of the “American Party.”
At 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., far removed from the political power struggles of Washington D.C., a portrait of cooperation among Democrats and Republicans can be found. A refreshing, purposeful energy has existed here in Dallas since 1957 through the ministry of St. Philip’s School and Community Center. In a time when racial and political cooperation was rare, if not non-existent, Republicans and Democrats united to establish a small Episcopal Church in a predominantly Black Neighborhood in South Dallas. Through the collaboration of White and Black Episcopalians an athletic program was established to address juvenile delinquency in one of the most underserved neighborhoods in Dallas. This was only the beginning.
In the late 60’s, innovation was born out of tragedy after a toddler was hit by a car on Pennsylvania Ave. Led by the late Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes, a group consisting of Blacks and Whites, Democrats and Republicans, rallied resources to establish a much needed day care center.
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The decades have witnessed many more changes at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. What was once only an athletic program and day care center is now the St. Philip’s School and Community Center. Although the Episcopal Church is no longer there, the spirit of cooperation that was the catalyst for changing this community lives on.
“The Miracle at Pennsylvania Ave”, as it is now known, has stood as one of our city’s most successful examples of racial and political cooperation for over half a century. The impact on the community has been nothing less than spectacular. Collective partnerships have resulted in thousands being served through a host of social service programs ranging from Senior Services, a Food Pantry and free Continuing Education Programs to Legal Clinics and Creative Dance Classes. The school has educated thousands and boasts a 97% high school graduation rate and an 88% college attendance rate. The athletic program has produced several professional athletes and continues to expose youth to non-traditional sports such as Lacrosse, Fencing and Golf.
As we bear witness to the seemingly never-ending flow of adversarial bickering surrounding the other 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Dallas can count itself blessed to have a symbol of Republican and Democratic harmony right here at its own 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
