Harambee Community Center Grand Opening
Hundreds of supporters of the Harambee Community Center turned out October 4, 2007 for a memorable Grand Opening Celebration. Students from Harambee Christian School gave major donors private tours of the facility at 4:30 p.m. followed by a reception and ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Jeff Gordon, Xenos Elder and UC Board Member, opened the dedication ceremony at 5:30 p.m. with a prayer that the new facility would be used to provide greater opportunities to the residents of South Linden. He introduced Clarence Lumpkin, long-time resident and community activist in South Linden, who praised Xenos church for their sacrificial investment and years of volunteer service to the community. "Xenos puts their money where their love is," he said. Clarence reflected on the early days of Urban Concern in the late 1980's when he first met Federal Judge James Graham and others who were starting a Bible study in the former Windsor Terrace housing project.
 Leadership Development Director James Brown spoke, followed by Education Director, Alex Steinman. The ceremony concluded with the Harambee students' recitation of their school declaration [see below] followed by an enthusiastic "Harambee, Harambee, Harambee!"
Construction of the 31,652 square foot facility is part of Xenos' long-term community development investment in South Linden. Xenos' commitment of $2 million for the project is in addition to several million dollars donated for services over the past 18 years. The remainder of the $1.2 million in funding for the new facility came from community support. The Center includes a multi-purpose gymnasium & community meeting space, six classrooms, a library, art/music room and office space.
The entire staff at Urban Concern would like to thank everyone for their generosity. James Brown noted that the new facility serves as a life center for South Linden. "This is the first time since Urban Concern began that our staff and activities will be under one roof," he said. "We are grateful for this wonderful facility and pray it will be used to expand God's church in South Linden."
WE CAN...
WE CAN grow in love for God and others.
WE CAN learn, especially from our mistakes.
WE CAN accomplish great things that will make a difference forever.
BECAUSE WE ARE...
WE ARE made in God's image, in an amazing and wonderful way.
WE ARE God's children, totally loved by him.
WE ARE God's masterpiece, and he has a special plan for our lives.
SO WE WILL...
WE WILL dream & hope.
WE WILL courageously do what is right, unafraid of Satan or people or mistakes.
WE WILL be compassionate servant-leaders, following the example of Jesus.
"Harambee" is an African word. It means "come together and move it forward," which is what we are trying to do in our community.
HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE!
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