LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

Abdul Sunni Ghani

Born Edward Lee Williams in Atlanta Georgia, he later embraced Islam and changed his name to Abdul Sunni Ghani. Poetry and lyrical words came easily for Abdul, having a passion and gift for the expression of his feelings and beliefs. During the early 70’s, Abdul was able to get over a dozen of his poems published in various books. These poems were written over a span of fifty years beginning in 1972 to present. He is a graduate of Akron University with a BA degree in Technical Education. After working thirty-seven years at the Ford Motor Company, he retired in 1997 to live out his dream as a poet. Today he resides in Cleveland, Ohio with his lovely wife, Diane.

About the Book

Walking through a Maze will take you on an edifying journey of life, lessons learned and realizing how these experiences will prepare and cultivate you into being the best version of yourself. It is only then, that you can embrace hope, love and understanding life and commitment. It’s like a puzzle, where all the pieces finally come together.

Get It Here:

https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/843267-walking-through-a-maze-of-life

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/walking-through-a-maze-of-life-abdul-sunni-ghani/1142487410

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

Ismail and Jamal begin by discussing narrative change and what that means after more negative news floods the community following an altercation at the debate between the mayor and one of his challengers. Ismail challenges the privilege of "failing fast" while Jamal discusses what shaw high school was like as an up-the-hill teen and what exactly does it mean to "peak out".  Ismail reveals that he is a GED holder while Jamal cops to failing second grade and they both discuss what it was like going to school during the time of legalized Corporal punishment. In closing, extractive capitalism is bought into the conversation as they get into the difference between Economic justice and Economic Development. 

• We are tired of talking about the problems all the time, what are the solutions?
• The challenges of challenging status quo development, real-time
• A city with no bank. 
• GE closes last division operating in EC and moves to Beachwood 
• Loiter is a place and a concept
• The scarcity mindset 
• The effects of living close to multi-million dollar development that's not for you

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

Ismail and Jamal begin by discussing narrative change and what that means after more negative news floods the community following an altercation at the debate between the mayor and one of his challengers. Ismail challenges the privilege of "failing fast" while Jamal discusses what shaw high school was like as an up-the-hill teen and what exactly does it mean to "peak out".  Ismail reveals that he is a GED holder while Jamal cops to failing second grade and they both discuss what it was like going to school during the time of legalized Corporal punishment. In closing, extractive capitalism is bought into the conversation as they get into the difference between Economic justice and Economic Development. 

• We are tired of talking about the problems all the time, what are the solutions?
• The challenges of challenging status quo development, real-time
• A city with no bank. 
• GE closes last division operating in EC and moves to Beachwood 
• Loiter is a place and a concept
• The scarcity mindset 
• The effects of living close to multi-million dollar development that's not for you

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

Ismail and Jamal begin by discussing narrative change and what that means after more negative news floods the community following an altercation at the debate between the mayor and one of his challengers. Ismail challenges the privilege of "failing fast" while Jamal discusses what shaw high school was like as an up-the-hill teen and what exactly does it mean to "peak out".  Ismail reveals that he is a GED holder while Jamal cops to failing second grade and they both discuss what it was like going to school during the time of legalized Corporal punishment. In closing, extractive capitalism is bought into the conversation as they get into the difference between Economic justice and Economic Development. 

• We are tired of talking about the problems all the time, what are the solutions?
• The challenges of challenging status quo development, real-time
• A city with no bank. 
• GE closes last division operating in EC and moves to Beachwood 
• Loiter is a place and a concept
• The scarcity mindset 
• The effects of living close to multi-million dollar development that's not for you

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

Ismail and Jamal begin by discussing narrative change and what that means after more negative news floods the community following an altercation at the debate between the mayor and one of his challengers. Ismail challenges the privilege of "failing fast" while Jamal discusses what shaw high school was like as an up-the-hill teen and what exactly does it mean to "peak out".  Ismail reveals that he is a GED holder while Jamal cops to failing second grade and they both discuss what it was like going to school during the time of legalized Corporal punishment. In closing, extractive capitalism is bought into the conversation as they get into the difference between Economic justice and Economic Development. 

• We are tired of talking about the problems all the time, what are the solutions?
• The challenges of challenging status quo development, real-time
• A city with no bank. 
• GE closes last division operating in EC and moves to Beachwood 
• Loiter is a place and a concept
• The scarcity mindset 
• The effects of living close to multi-million dollar development that's not for you

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

Ismail and Jamal begin by discussing narrative change and what that means after more negative news floods the community following an altercation at the debate between the mayor and one of his challengers. Ismail challenges the privilege of "failing fast" while Jamal discusses what shaw high school was like as an up-the-hill teen and what exactly does it mean to "peak out".  Ismail reveals that he is a GED holder while Jamal cops to failing second grade and they both discuss what it was like going to school during the time of legalized Corporal punishment. In closing, extractive capitalism is bought into the conversation as they get into the difference between Economic justice and Economic Development. 

• We are tired of talking about the problems all the time, what are the solutions?
• The challenges of challenging status quo development, real-time
• A city with no bank. 
• GE closes last division operating in EC and moves to Beachwood 
• Loiter is a place and a concept
• The scarcity mindset 
• The effects of living close to multi-million dollar development that's not for you

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

Ismail and Jamal begin by discussing narrative change and what that means after more negative news floods the community following an altercation at the debate between the mayor and one of his challengers. Ismail challenges the privilege of "failing fast" while Jamal discusses what shaw high school was like as an up-the-hill teen and what exactly does it mean to "peak out".  Ismail reveals that he is a GED holder while Jamal cops to failing second grade and they both discuss what it was like going to school during the time of legalized Corporal punishment. In closing, extractive capitalism is bought into the conversation as they get into the difference between Economic justice and Economic Development. 

• We are tired of talking about the problems all the time, what are the solutions?
• The challenges of challenging status quo development, real-time
• A city with no bank. 
• GE closes last division operating in EC and moves to Beachwood 
• Loiter is a place and a concept
• The scarcity mindset 
• The effects of living close to multi-million dollar development that's not for you

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

Ismail and Jamal begin by discussing narrative change and what that means after more negative news floods the community following an altercation at the debate between the mayor and one of his challengers. Ismail challenges the privilege of "failing fast" while Jamal discusses what shaw high school was like as an up-the-hill teen and what exactly does it mean to "peak out".  Ismail reveals that he is a GED holder while Jamal cops to failing second grade and they both discuss what it was like going to school during the time of legalized Corporal punishment. In closing, extractive capitalism is bought into the conversation as they get into the difference between Economic justice and Economic Development. 

• We are tired of talking about the problems all the time, what are the solutions?
• The challenges of challenging status quo development, real-time
• A city with no bank. 
• GE closes last division operating in EC and moves to Beachwood 
• Loiter is a place and a concept
• The scarcity mindset 
• The effects of living close to multi-million dollar development that's not for you

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

After our first Critical Community Conversation, Ismail sits down with Tim Lampkin of Higher Purpose Co. They reflect on the event, east cleveland, the tremendous energy that was in the room and brainstorm a myriad of things crucial to ensuring community engagement is front and center for or the Loiter Squad. They talk Reparations, wealth transfer and community driven innovations to replace racially charged models that devalue communities like East Cleveland. 

Ismail and Jamal begin by discussing narrative change and what that means after more negative news floods the community following an altercation at the debate between the mayor and one of his challengers. Ismail challenges the privilege of "failing fast" while Jamal discusses what shaw high school was like as an up-the-hill teen and what exactly does it mean to "peak out".  Ismail reveals that he is a GED holder while Jamal cops to failing second grade and they both discuss what it was like going to school during the time of legalized Corporal punishment. In closing, extractive capitalism is bought into the conversation as they get into the difference between Economic justice and Economic Development. 

• We are tired of talking about the problems all the time, what are the solutions?
• The challenges of challenging status quo development, real-time
• A city with no bank. 
• GE closes last division operating in EC and moves to Beachwood 
• Loiter is a place and a concept
• The scarcity mindset 
• The effects of living close to multi-million dollar development that's not for you

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

I sit down with East Cleveland native and entrepreneur Ibrahim Colvin founder of Colvins Sweet Creamery. This should go without saying but growing up in EC does not mean that you want to join in on the things that destroy your family and community. Ibrahim is a true testament to that. Listen in as we hear from this humble, amazing brother on the grind as a black business owner, father, and committed advocate for the freedom of political prisoner Imam Jamil AL- Amin. Powerful stuff. 

Ismail and Jamal begin by discussing narrative change and what that means after more negative news floods the community following an altercation at the debate between the mayor and one of his challengers. Ismail challenges the privilege of "failing fast" while Jamal discusses what shaw high school was like as an up-the-hill teen and what exactly does it mean to "peak out".  Ismail reveals that he is a GED holder while Jamal cops to failing second grade and they both discuss what it was like going to school during the time of legalized Corporal punishment. In closing, extractive capitalism is bought into the conversation as they get into the difference between Economic justice and Economic Development. 

• We are tired of talking about the problems all the time, what are the solutions?
• The challenges of challenging status quo development, real-time
• A city with no bank. 
• GE closes last division operating in EC and moves to Beachwood 
• Loiter is a place and a concept
• The scarcity mindset 
• The effects of living close to multi-million dollar development that's not for you

LOITER A STRATEGIC EFFORT TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR EAST CLEVELANDERS.

Loiter takes on its provocative name as a direct challenge to the city’s criminalized narrative. It actively invites and encourages residents to commune, interact, and appreciate their community in welcoming public retail and agricultural spaces. Unfortunately, this is not a current reality and we are committed to do something about it. What makes Loiter so unique is that Loiter is not just a place—it’s also a mindset. To us, Loiter means to actively seek out people and places that convey a sense of safety and belonging.

https://loiter.us

On this episode, we explore the effects of the lack of youth engaged in the work needed to conquer the constant negative narrative of the city. We get into the complex conversation of the importance of different voices and leadership due to the lack of change while the familiar characters keep holding the positions of power and have done little to change the reality for the folks in the trenches of poverty. 

More questions are brought into the conversation around black excellence vs black capitalism and how do we create a community owned supply chain. 

Loiter is launching a speaker series to hold Critical Community Conversations in partnership with The East Cleveland Public Library. The negative stories keep flooding local media about how "bad" East Cleveland is while our collective internal narrative expresses the same tropes that fuel our inability to move towards progress.

Before jumping right into the first Monday morning dump, let me set the intention and let everyone know what I'm trying to achieve with these shorty but goodies. 

A brain dump is simply the act of dumping all the contents of your mind onto paper.  kind of like grabbing your bag and dumping it onto the floor in order to see all of its contents. I'm using that practice in a slightly different way as I'm trying to locate what are my immediate log jams as it relates to this work so we can keep things moving. So after I dump my thought on the page I'm looking for a particular nugget to share that others can benefit from. Take a listen and let me know your thoughts. 

There are a lot of efforts to tackle what it takes to change the distorted perception of blackness placed on us by society. Moving back home to East Cleveland from a very progressive east coast and reconnecting with the people the furthest away from the conversation yet at the center of it - had me grappling with how to bring the voices from the oppressed to the doorstep of the holders of the wealth to help change it.

One thing that emerged for me during the difficulties we are all challenged with, is we as a people can speak for ourselves, to our community, and to the holders of those clinging to the systems that put us here, hold us here, and are working to keep us here.

This is OUR reality.

Our self-reflection and intra-communal dialogue is the fuel that powers the desire to change narratives placed on us by society. "Academic" conversations and white papers have dipped their toe into the realness of the inner narrative we hold in our disinvested communities.

It's time for US to dive in and ask:

What does it take to insist that loiter in our own neighborhoods is a natural part of community living?
 
Loitering is the only crime that you can be arrested for and even lose your life if you’re a black male, for not fitting a particular social construct. Why?

Jamal Collins and I, natives of East Cleveland, the poorest city in the state of Ohio, created the Loitering and Unarmed podcast as a commitment to narrative control and spatial and economic justice.

The caveat is, our podcast is primarily speaking to and with the people of East Cleveland. This means that some of you may not see yourself in our conversations, but we hope we bring you into the challenges of doing our work and invite you to engage with empathy.

We ask for the acknowledgment that some have enjoyed our culture for the purposes of entertainment in the form of other media (music, film, etc...) which gave a window into a world of us chasing dreams while living in a perpetual nightmare. With that in mind we invite you to be at OUR table and just listen, as a guest.

To be honest, I give this first episode a C.
I need to work on setting the table a bit better and Jay and I need to continue to build chemistry and stay on track. In conversations with others in the podcast game, that comes with time, and an intern! lol. For those that know me, this is a huge step outside of my comfort zone.

It's time for us all to lean indifferently.

It is our hope to invite East Cleveland residents and our collective networks to un-arm themselves of their armor of biases and remind the world that black men engaging in provocative conversation either on the corner or online is not a threat but a think tank to solve America’s disease of racialized poverty.

Open call to East Clevelander’s and others committed to social change to jump in on the conversation!!

#socialchange #narrativechange