In Second Half of 2020, The Legacy Center in West Dumas Make ‘Love and Financial’ Deposits and Advance REDI—Rural Economic Develop Innovation with $300,000+ in Food Distribution, Jobs, Educational and Recreational Programs
Since Juneteenth (June 19th 2020), Dumas has received many compliments and thousands of social media positive ‘likes and reviews’ for the 1000+ persons who were provided love and a food distribution to all persons who showed up. As the photo’s here reveal, hundreds of cars lined up and boxes of fresh food and dairy was loaded as the citizens of Dumas drove through. Food is distributed to all citizens who desire. Many are signing up to be on the bi-weekly or weekly distribution list.
On this same day in other parts of the nation, many communities, were witnessing streets, capitol grounds and municipalities full of uprising because of the cry for justice for George Floyd, a African America man who was choked to death on May 25th by a law enforcement officer filmed on camera and others who have be murdered and mishandled by senseless acts. These specific acts of inhumanity have been done by authorities who are being charged with behaving unjustly while committing hate crimes and conduct not becoming to their roles as individuals who have been hired and or elected to stand up for the rights of citizens in this nation. These cries are being more greatly heard from Dumas to D.C. and are being demanded to cease and dismiss.
Providentially and intentionally, in Dumas the streets were quite different. The GoFresh USA food program teamed up with THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas and REDI—Rural Economic Development Innovation Partners and Leadership Team to get the work done. Organizers are saying that this work to bring positive results in Dumas, every day is not coincidental but rather intentional, and are desirous to work with and for more partnerships to further expand the benefits to the people in the community.
“I call this work both a LOVE and economic development financial deposit. In this pandemic of COVID—19 and HATE—2020, We must make sure that we are depositing more love and genuine concern for people than the hate and strife that is too easy to give. As a minister, we are called to look at things from a biblical rights view and not what man, (through false teachings from preachers, politicians, news media and others have to say), but to focus on— How does God see His creation… all of us? What is His view of all of us being equal in His sight? Like my late father, Rev. Dr. A.L. Hunt, Sr., Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., etc., we must re-present the truth that the call to preach is a call to love… all of God’s people; hence, all lives matter. This is not easy to say or teach when you live in a time when hate, prejudices, bias and discrimination is at an all-time high. It is not just whites against blacks, it is blacks against blacks, blacks against whites, etc. It is evil and sin combined that is bringing forth a wicked people. Only God and love can overpower this kind of hate. I add to this that ‘all lives have dignity, but we recognize that all lives are not lived dignified.’ Our goal/vision aims to truly look like ‘One Nation Under God’ and unite with federal, local, county, state and multiple parties who see this mindset and worldview as the absolute remedy and resolve. Everyone deserves to be respected and that’s what good and Godly community leadership and relations look like and that’s what we can believe and hope will manifest in Dumas and Desha,” stated Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr., Senior Pastor, HMC—Hunt Memorial Cathedral of Faith and CEO, The College of Aspiring Artists.
"This food distribution program is touching people where they live," stated Rev. Rick Wright, Publisher of the Dumas Clarion. "Our society is strong on talk and theory, but usually weak on actually getting in the trenches, on the front lines, and making a physical difference in the lives of those who need our love and compasion the most. One day we will all be accountable for how we've lived, what we've done. Feeding the hungry was a major part of Jesus life and work on earth. He took a few fish and loaves and fed over 5,000 according to Matthew 14:15 and fed 4,000 recorded in Matthew 15:32. I hope and pray, you will reach out through these programs, be a part of feeding and helping to feed those in need."
A second distribution took place on Thursday, June 25, lead by the Arkansas Food Bank and was held on the grounds of THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas at the 501 West Bowles campus. It is being themed as the Neighborhood Walkup and Drive-up Distribution of Food, Love and Fellowship. It accommodates persons who do not always have transportation and who live in the most distressed part of the city.
Both programs will continue and the next one is being held on Thursday, July 2, back at the ASC Property Management office at 710 Meadow Drive. The specific time will be announced on the CityPride Facebook page (which has the live video from the events) and the city of Dumas website at www.dumasar.net on July 1, by the end of the day. Volunteers are needed and can call or text 870.501.0356 to do so.
Now, what does this mean and what is next for Dumas, Desha, and Arkansas through the REDI grant award? How can the city of Dumas and the County of Desha be a part of this national program award and become leaders for a model city along the way? See the answers and get involved by visiting www.thelegacycenterinwestdumas.org
