URGENT UPDATE: Hillsborough County Commissioners are locked in a heated debate over the future of the proposed African American History and Cultural Center, following a critical meeting on October 25, 2023. Advocates claim this center is essential for honoring and sharing the rich history of the African American community, while some commissioners argue funding it could detract from pressing infrastructure needs.
During the meeting, Dr. Brett Snowden, pastor of the Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, emphasized the center’s necessity, stating, “The center is envisioned as a vibrant, multipurpose space, dedicated to celebrating stories, achievements, and culture of the African American community.”
Commissioner Gwen Myers, a long-time supporter of the initiative, echoed this sentiment, lamenting, “The African American community, we don’t have a place that we can go to. We don’t have a place that we can tell our story.”
However, tensions flared when Commissioner Joshua Wostal raised concerns about the county’s priorities. He asserted, “We have over a decade of backlogs of critical infrastructure, basic sidewalk maintenance, road maintenance, and repaving requirements in Hillsborough County.” Wostal questioned the financial viability of the center, pointing out that many advocates earn substantial salaries funded by taxpayers and doubted the organizers’ ability to secure private donations. He warned, “This is going to create an unexpected impact on the bottom line of our property taxes annually.”
Commissioner Harry Cohen countered these arguments, highlighting the importance of investing in community identity. “Just because we have all of these responsibilities, doesn’t absolve us of the responsibility to build the fabric and the heart of the community,” Cohen said. He believes that the center will serve as a vital resource for all residents, asserting, “This is a project that 25 years from now, we are going to look back on and be proud that we had the foresight.”
The commissioners did not vote on the project during this meeting; rather, they received a report on its progress, leaving the future of the center uncertain. As the debate continues, the community watches closely, aware that the outcome could significantly impact Hillsborough County’s social landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on the importance of cultural centers in your community.
