EDITORS NOTE: This article was written by Sumner High School Senior Bobbie Bran. Beginning last December, Bran participated in a job-shadowing project that provided some insight into working for a community newspaper. That process provided Bran the opportunity to shoot photographs, design the front page, and (with this edition) write an article for the Index. Bran plans to attend Green River Community College this fall, and later transfer to a university where she will major in journalism.
If you lived in the Hilltop neighborhood during the 1940s and 1950s, you might be familiar with E.B. Boom Boom Wilson. Reverend Wilson was the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church from 1937 to 1965.
When I think of Boom Boom, I think of a man who was humble, gentle, and had high standards for himself, said Beverly Walker, Rev. Wilsons granddaughter. He was beloved throughout Washington.
When Bethlehem Baptist Church burned down in 1959, Walker said, he took it all stride. Since Boom Boom was so beloved, they dedicated the largest of seven low-income apartment buildings in Tacoma to him in 1968.
Nearly 40 years later, the city rededicated the building to Rev. Wilson. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which took place on Thurs., April 14, 2005 showcased and celebrated the newly renovated building. Some of the upgrades include new flooring, ventilation system, kitchen appliances, fire sprinkler system, and plumbing. The building also features a second entrance for the residents. The new renovation started September 2003 and lasted for a year. During that time, all residents were relocated to a different building.
A capital fund grant of $3.5 million was donated by Housing and Urban Development.
Quality housing for all people makes Tacoma a better place, said Mayor Bill Baarsma. He also commented on Rev. Wilsons work after Bethlehem Baptist Church burned down. Mayor Baarsma also said that affordable housing was a critical piece in the citys puzzle to reinvent itself.
City Councilman Tom Stenger, who represents the Hilltop neighborhood, commented, This building gives us a taste and feeling for our 1960s activism. There was a great deal of change here in the Hilltop area during the 1960s. This building is still a symbol of activism as well as how we are renewing ourselves for the 21st century. Stenger also added that positive changes dating back to the 1960s have resulted in lower crime rate in the Hilltop neighborhood today.
Community leader Ella Crawford commented on the significance of naming the building after Rev. Wilson. In this town, there was not a building named after a black person before this one, she said.
County Councilman Tim Farrell praised Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) and Bethlehem Baptist Church in their efforts to continue to work with the community. Preserving community is essential, he said. These folks work very hard to continue that tradition.
Within Tacomas seven low-income apartment buildings, this facility is the first designated smoke-free residence. According to Michael Mirra, THAs executive director, the smoke-free rule provides a healthy atmosphere and saves money turning over units.
The people who attended the event were invited to tour residential units. Mayor Baarsma told residents, Welcome to your new home.
