Tosa Pride

I sit here writing this as an African-American living in what is supposed to be “post-racial” America. I sit here thinking about this living in one of the most culturally and racially divided metropolitan areas in the country. All I have to do is get in my car and drive 20 minutes west or north or south and I am in a different place. Because of this I’m so happy to call Tosa home.

We live in a little nook of the metropolis that should be a model for communities all across the country. I don’t think area leaders envisioned this or even planned for it, but something about Tosa says, “You’re welcome here.”

When I travel all over our city, I see it. Whether it’s the Pick-n-Save on State Street or the library. No matter if it’s the Dairy Queen on North Avenue or Honey Creek Parkway. I feel this community is a true melting pot, where black, white, Asian, young, old, gay or straight all have come together to enjoy the gifts of living in an urban area.

Our children don’t have to be puzzled or overly curious when they see another culture. Whether you drive to work in a BMW or take the No. 10 bus down Wisconsin Avenue to work, you can easily mingle at Tosa’s Night Out and feel equally vested in your community. I see civic pride in Tosa’s people all the time. We wear this badge of still believing in urban centers. This spills out past the city borders where I see different races and colors waiting in line at Gyro’s Corners over on 60th and Lisbon as well.

All my adult life I’ve wanted to find a place to be in this metropolis where I truly felt at home, and in Tosa I feel that. If you’re a resident of this area, you should feel that same pride. We have created something that works, despite all the division we see around us every day.

Are we model citizens? Not all, not entirely, but in this day and age, merely coexisting is a noble thing to do. The next time you’re strolling through the supermarket or going to the car wash or taking your children to the library, smile at your neighbor with pride and keep this special thing going for all those who live and visit Tosa.

It’s a true gem among communities. Be proud. Sound off and share what you think of the city you call home.