It Still Takes a Village: Reclaiming the Power of Community and Unity

Somewhere along the way, we started closing our doors—both literally and figuratively. Once upon a time, we knew our neighbors’ names, checked on their children, and made sure every elder got home safe from church or the corner store. The sense of togetherness that built our blocks, churches, and schools wasn’t just a “nice thing.” It was the foundation that kept our communities alive and thriving.

Today, that unity feels distant. We see neighborhoods struggling with safety, with stores that sell more liquor than fresh food, and with fewer people willing to step up and say, “Not on our watch.” But deep down, we all know something powerful: when a community is unified, it can accomplish anything.

It takes a village—not just to raise a child—but to protect families, uplift schools, and hold leaders accountable. A unified community has eyes that see beyond the surface and hearts that act before harm happens. It’s neighbors looking out for one another, supporting small businesses, standing up to things that tear us down, and building spaces that lift us.

We’ve lost pieces of that over time, but it’s not gone. If we put real effort into our communities and unify, we can accomplish great things—not only in our neighborhoods but across our city and state. And when we do, others will follow our lead.

I don’t believe all is lost in our communities, families, or our nation. What’s missing is the belief that we can change it. We must stop saying, “Oh well, that’s just the world we live in now.” No. We have to shift that mindset and become the change we keep waiting for.

Because when we move together—with faith, love, and purpose—transformation follows. Our children are counting on us.

Our elders are depending on us. And the truth is, it still takes a village… to heal, to rebuild, and to thrive.

JuS DeW U — because there’s no other way.