The Urban Renewal Center

With heartfelt gratitude, thank you to everyone who joined us “at the table” for an evening of fellowship, meaningful conversation, shared stories, and joyful laughter. Your presence reminded us that community is one of God’s greatest gifts. Every smile, every conversation, and every moment of connection strengthened the bonds that unite us in friendship, faith, and purpose.

We are deeply thankful for each of you and for the opportunity to gather together around the table. May the relationships nurtured tonight continue to inspire, encourage, and uplift us as we serve our communities and walk together in hope.

Someone asked me, “Why aren't black people doing more about the issues in their community?”

The following are findings from social scientific research:

1. Black households have often given 3%–4% of their income to charity (at times, above tithing, if they tithe), a higher share than other racial and ethnic groups.

2. Research from the Urban Institute found that Black families contributed the largest proportion of their wealth to charity among major racial and ethnic groups.

3. Researchers also note that Black Americans frequently engage in informal giving, such as supporting relatives, neighbors, churches, and community members directly, which is sometimes undercounted in traditional philanthropy statistics.

Each month, the Urban Renewal Center welcomes a guest speaker from across our city to help connect faith leaders with community leaders who are shaping the future of Norfolk. This past Wednesday, we were honored to welcome Dr. Jeff Rose, the new Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools. His vision, leadership, and commitment to students sparked meaningful conversation about the vital partnership between education, faith, and the broader community. Together, we reflected on how the faith community serves as an important partner in helping children and families thrive — offering encouragement, mentorship, support, and hope so that every student has the opportunity to excel both in and beyond the classroom.

On this National Day of Prayer, we pause to lift our nation before God. 🇺🇸🙏🏽

In a world filled with division, uncertainty, and unrest, we believe prayer still has the power to heal, unite, strengthen, and renew. May we seek God’s face together — for our schools, our communities, our leaders, and our future.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray…” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

Join us today, Thursday, May 7, 2026, as we unite in faith and prayer.
Because change begins on our knees.

We had an incredible and impactful time hosting Countering Active Threat Training (CATT) with Mike Goldsmith, Regional Security Advisor for Tidewater with the Secure Community Network.

This session was not only informative—it was empowering.

In just one hour, participants from across our community gained practical, life-saving knowledge on situational awareness, recognizing suspicious behavior, and responding effectively in high-risk scenarios. What made this training especially powerful is that it required no prior security background—making it accessible to everyone, especially our faith-based institutions and houses of worship.

The level of engagement, attentiveness, and commitment in the room made this an overwhelming success. It is clear that our community is not only concerned about safety—but ready to be proactive, informed, and prepared.

This is what it means to build a Beloved Community—one that is both compassionate and vigilant.

Grateful for Mike Goldsmith’s leadership and for every participant who showed up ready to learn and grow. Let’s continue to invest in the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods.

Preparedness

Here’s a strong, polished caption that captures both impact and heart:

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Compassion in action. 💙

These incredible Girl Scouts are turning vision into impact through their Silver Award project—creating a mobile clothing closet to serve neighbors experiencing homelessness in Norfolk.

After years of serving in winter shelters and local soup kitchens, they recognized a critical gap: while food and shelter are often addressed, clothing remains an unmet need. So they stepped up with a solution—bringing coats, clothes, and essentials directly to the people who need them most.

With rolling racks stocked from community donations, they’re meeting individuals at shelters and libraries—removing barriers like transportation and access, and restoring dignity one coat, one outfit at a time.

Because everyone deserves warmth.
Everyone deserves dignity.
Everyone deserves to be seen.

This is what leadership looks like. This is what service looks like.

We are so proud of ISTREAM-Norfolk kids! Thanks to for investing in the future generation. And thanks to for the partnership!

ISTREAM-Norfolk is off to another successful semester. We are grateful for the , and all the volunteers for making this possible. We are simply overjoyed!

A huge shout out to Lionsmith Barbershop! Thanks for taking the time to come to Winter Shelter to provide free haircuts to the unhoused citizens. You are a blessing!

Locals reflect on the 'interwoven history' of Black and Jewish Americans

https://www.whro.org/arts-culture/2026-02-05/locals-reflect-on-the-interwoven-history-of-black-and-jewish-americans

PBS and WETA released a four-part documentary, 'Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History,' this month, with new episodes released each Tuesday. The series is hosted by historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Locals reflect on the 'interwoven history' of Black and Jewish Americans PBS and WETA released a four-part documentary, 'Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History,' this month, with new episodes released each Tuesday. The series is hosted by historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr.