There I was, protesting the KKK at Stone Mountain on April 23rd, 2016.
We started with a little bit of levity because the activists convoy I was with (about 20 cars) had planned a way to sway folks away from coming into Stone Mountain Park-because really, who needs to see racism celebrated while going on a hike? But how did we bring levity? Well, we ALL paid the entry fee with pennies, and another group took up more time by milling about in the driveway lanes-formed in a sort of 300-like Spartan formation with the minorities inside and caucasians on the outside because yes, minorities are the first to be targeted in situations like this, and in general. We bought even more time by “accidentally” dropping pennies in our cars and outside of our cars, which of course made us dutifully look for the pennies and buy more time. We took up several hours by forming this multiple-group-blockade that some times was almost 3-Stooges-like, and I even heard the cars on the interstate backed up by several exits trying to get into Stone Mountain Park.
Once we finally got inside, we were glad to find multiple groups that were there to protest too…other Activist Organizations, Motorcycle Gangs, and even a new-form Black Panthers-like group armed with a whole lot of AR-15s. It was a joyous occasion to see we were not there alone, because in many ways we were risking our lives. And the KKK had numerous police officers, even the National Guard to protect & create distance between them and us. I was surprised to see numerous camouflaged Hummers and Helicopters going in and out.
Yet it was a difficult day because of one reason: Trying to take in why any other person would celebrate the hatred of another. Particularly given I see beauty & potential in all life. But wait-what does that have to do with the word Activist Developer that you’re coining Ivan?
Well, today I realized that Affordable Housing is a direct tie-in to Activist Organizations, and Activist Investors in the Stock market world. And those sorts of people some times piss other people off to get things done fast. Activist Organizations go into the public to demand attention for societal ridiculousness that needs to stop at whatever cost. And Activist Investors go into companies’ shareholder boards, and gain ownership stakes to control the company into making tough decisions that are ultimately best for all investors committed to the company even if it’s painful for years-these folks piss people off because the leadership that is there when these folks come in are basically shunned or fired as fast as possible to get the mission done.
In a similar way, Common Walk Development goes into communities where slumlords, organizations, and even government entities are not doing their jobs at full speed for this Affordable Housing Crisis’ resolution. And we call everyone out while making moves to deliver people affordable housing now.
Starting to see the tie-in now?
Some people want communities to stay in suffering, stay in pain, and cycles of poverty. We as an Activist Real Estate Developer will not stand for it. And we will push forward until our objective of creating 2.7M Affordable Housing units by 2047 is accomplished.
Will you be a part of this movement?
Thanks for reading,
Ivan Alfaro
Chief Executive Officer