The Historic Olivet Baptist Church Restoration

CALL TO ACTION! Save this Historical Landmark!    One week ago today, Feb. 13, 2020, Reverend Munson opened his doors to welcome the community for a panel discussion on cash bail reform. During the discussion, while the deterioration was evident, no one could have predicted that the beams would collapse and give way to major physical damage. Well just three days later, Sunday morning, the very room that we all communed in, did just that and was completely destroyed. It was as if the church held on just long enough to house one more townhall, in hopes that the community, would return the favor. Some call it God... Some call it Luck... Whatever forces behind your beliefs, it's evident that the Spirit of the Community was called upon.    The Historical Olivet Baptist Church was built in 1905 & remains one of the few spaces on the Hill that is owned and operated by our people. Generations of Black families have attended, grown up and sent home loved ones in this church. The majority of the Hill District has already suffered due to gentrification, which makes it ever more vital that we keep the safe spaces, churches, community staples, homes and businesses that we own, as our own. We know that most funding via banks and government, are specifically & purposely designed to be kept out of our reach, especially when it comes to revitalizing our communities. But the beautiful thing about our community historically, is that we didn't wait to receive...we would just assess our needs & do what needed to be  done.   The call is simple... We need the community to help restore the structure of this church and that takes supplies and commitment. If you work in construction, or have access to funding to assist with the restoration, please don't hesitate to donate what you can. This can be time, tools, food for the workers or of course, monetary assistance... all is welcomed and appreciated. We have to be doers, not detractors of the work. Let's Get It!  B.L.A.Q.K OPS