By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
When Rugenia Moore-Henry moved back to the Green Pasture community in Gadsden, she noticed some minor things that needed to be done. She addressed her concerns with the city council. Having moved around before, Henry says that she always advocated for her community.
About three months ago, Henry began to talk to Adam Ragsdale, pastor of Catalyst Community Church. Ragsdale arranged for volunteers to visit from Second Baptist Church in Clinton, Tenn. The volunteers recently spent three days cleaning up the Green Pasture community. Volunteers did yard work, pressure washed, painted and did some minor repair work.
At the end of the volunteers’ visit, a unity concert was held in Hughley Park. A gospel choir sang, and children played on the playground and inflatables. Curlie DeRamus provided attendees with free hot dogs. City officials, including Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton and city council members, visited and spoke with members of the community.
Henry is not yet done trying to improve her community. She is working on a follow-up project with local churches and volunteers to provide assistance for things that need ongoing care, such as yardwork. She also is working on a special project.
“One thing I am working on is a community garden,” said Henry.
The community already has the property for the garden and is holding a town hall meeting on August 27 in Hughley Park at 5 p.m. to discuss the community projects. Henry says that anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to attend.
Henry is a member of Galilee Baptist Church and a life member of the Alumni Chapter of the Alabama State University, where she attended college. She is also active with the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, whose purpose is advocating for the community.
For more information or to offer help, call 205-319-6070.