We don't have the opportunity to build familiarity with our neighbors. But Johnson says that's a problem in all communities, not just African-American neighborhoods. You don't have the activity that you once did at Broadway and Douglas. What's happened, leaders say, is that cities have changed. People have moved and scattered.
Communities are less cohesive.
Young people are moving away. Services once sought are no longer needed. McDaniels said the community is hemorrhaging young black leaders and students, and the city must find ways to retain them. Rebuilding community James said a sense of community can be regained by people intentionally being closer friends. He said it's imperative that neighborhoods hold block parties and host cleanups.