VOICES: Seeking a location for change in West Dayton

Kenya Baker is a community activist, retired school teacher and founder of COAL, the Coalition On African Liberation, composed of over nine Black-led organizations in West Dayton.

Kenya Baker is a community activist, retired school teacher and founder of COAL, the Coalition On African Liberation, composed of over nine Black-led organizations in West Dayton.

We, the organizations of COAL, would like to change the name of Dayton View Park to Liberation Park to designate a physical location for the transformation of West Dayton.

In spite of Black humans in West Dayton and America at-large being released from physical bondage in the late 1800s, mental and spiritual chains remained. It is our endeavor to continue to liberate minds and souls through transformational activities at Liberation Park.

We believe that by providing the name of “Liberation” to this space, we will create a platform for people to think about creating cleaner, burgeoning spaces in West Dayton that exude excellence and catalytic growth through their renewed sense of freedom.

» How do we stay true to the spirit of Juneteenth in Dayton?

» Honoring our past by taking action today for Juneteenth

We believe that Black humans in West Dayton need space to unshackle the oppressive devices such as redlining, police brutality, mass incarceration, drugs, inequity in healthcare, education and food access, etc., so we can self-determine a shared future from a divided past. We look forward to using the site of “Liberation Park” to reimagine our humanity and our combined destiny through operational unity.

Juneteenth is more about creating new and innovative constructs that challenge us to think free, in addition, to being free.

We know we have the power to manifest through the spirit of UBUNTU. Thank you for supporting our efforts.

Kenya Baker is a community activist, retired school teacher and founder of COAL, the Coalition On African Liberation, composed of over nine Black-led organizations in West Dayton.

About the Author