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Abstract
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of Community Economic Development
(CED), tracing its historical roots and evolution toward a modern focus. The authors explore the
role of CED in developing low-income communities, with origins linked to influential figures
like Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois before the Civil Rights Era. The article
addresses emerging challenges and criticisms throughout CED's evolution, offering a holistic
perspective on its development.
Keywords: Community Economic Development, Civil Rights Era, Evolution
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Introduction
Roger Clay Jr. and Susan Jones' article, "A Brief History of Community Economic
Development" (2009), underscores the significance of CED, highlighting its impact on the
independence and entrepreneurship of black Americans. While the federal government has
played a pivotal role in shaping CED programs, the analysis notes a shift towards private
investments influenced by neoliberal agendas in low-income communities.
This transition from government-centric initiatives to private partnerships forms a critical
backdrop for understanding the dynamics of CED. It is within this evolving landscape that the
analysis unfolds, shedding light on the complexities of addressing poverty and inequality.
Analysis
The article, however, appears to overlook a crucial dimension: the economic decline in
low-income communities, attributed to the diminishing role of religion. In their work, Parsell and
Stambe (2023) emphasize the transformative role of religion in addressing poverty. Their
research illustrates how religion, embedded within communities, provides tangible support in the
form of clothing, food, and relationships, circumventing government assistance for altruistic
purposes. They argue that because “ religious practices are embedded within the power of the
state and society, the capacity for religion to overcome structures that produce poverty will be
limited” (as cited in Parsell & Stambe, 2023, para. 4). This perspective introduces a nuanced
layer to the discourse on CED, suggesting that the decline in religious influence might contribute
to economic challenges within communities.
Acknowledging the government's limited assistance, especially in CED, underscores the
crucial need for support in poverty-stricken areas. The Bible says, “But when thou makest a
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feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot
recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just (King James Bible,
1769/2017, Luke 14:13-14). These verses highlight the church's role in serving and uplifting
impoverished communities. Beyond mere alleviation of poverty, it asserts a broader call for
community engagement, aligning with religious teachings.
Examining the societal shift from Booker T. Washington to George W. Bush, the article
contrasts a society built on religious beliefs with one that is not. Petrila (2020) suggests that
religion “proposes different or alternative social strategies in overcoming certain social
problems” (as cited in para 45), emphasizing its influence on shaping societal approaches.
Conclusion
While raising vital questions about the future of CED, the article acknowledges its
positive impact on urban and rural communities. Simultaneously, it critically assesses the
challenges associated with a market-based approach, prompting a reevaluation of the field. The
decline in CED's evolution is attributed not only to government policy changes but also to a
decrease in religion within communities, presenting a nuanced perspective on historical
developments in CED.
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References
Clay, Roger A., Jr., & Jones, S. R. (2009). A Brief History of Community Economic
Development. Journal of Affordable Housing & Community Development Law, 18(3),
257-267. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/
trade-journals/brief-history-community-economic-development/docview/218409794/
se-2.
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
(Original work published 1769)
Parsell, C., & Stambe, R. (2023). Christianity, Helping People in Poverty, and Embodied
Relationships. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. https://doi.org/10.1111/
jssr.12899.
Petrila, L. (2020). Religion and its Implications for Global Politics. Research and Science Today,
(1), 87-98,87A. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://
www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/religion-implications-global-politics/docview/
2389721067/se-2.
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