The Greenwood Legacy Corporation
Council of Elders

 

Purpose and Vision

The Greenwood Legacy Corporation Council of Elders is being established to preserve community wisdom, cultural values, and long-term institutional memory. Rooted in Black cultural traditions, the Council will help strengthen accountability, advance healing and unity, and guide Greenwood’s continued development toward lasting community ownership and generational Black wealth.

Cultural Grounding

Elderhood is defined by more than age or formal credentials. It is earned through wisdom, integrity, service, lived experience, and accountability to the community. The Council’s framework draws from African traditions, the Black Church, and the collective values that have sustained Greenwood across generations.

What the Council Will Do

  • Hold and transmit community wisdom and cultural values.

  • Strengthen institutional memory and continuity.

  • Provide advisory counsel to the GLC Board and leadership.

  • Promote accountability to the Kirkpatrick Heights/Greenwood Master Plan.

  • Help create a healing and unifying space for the Black community.

 
ELDERS' COUNCIL FRAMEWORK
 
 
“This council would assume an advisory role, serving as the reservoir of the community’s history and wisdom.”
— Community Governance Working Group
 
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Meet the Council

The Greenwood Legacy Council of Elders brings together respected community leaders whose lived experience, service, and connection to Greenwood help shape and guide the work of Greenwood Legacy Corporation.

 
 

Elder Name

Community Connection
Short Bio →

 
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Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

What is the Greenwood Legacy Council of Elders?

The Council of Elders is an advisory body that brings Greenwood’s history, lived experience, and community wisdom into the work of Greenwood Legacy Corporation.

 

What is the Council’s role?

Council members provide insight and counsel to GLC leadership. Their role is to help preserve Greenwood’s cultural legacy, safeguard community values, and guide decisions that may affect Greenwood’s long-term future and well-being.

 

Does the Council make decisions for Greenwood Legacy Corporation?

No. The Council serves in an advisory capacity. Governance and fiduciary authority remain with the GLC Board of Directors, while organizational operations are managed by GLC leadership.

 

How does the Council support the Kirkpatrick Heights/Greenwood Master Plan?

The Council helps GLC remain grounded in the community-informed vision behind the Master Plan. Its members provide historical context, lived knowledge, and community perspective as GLC advances the plan’s long-term goals.

 

What matters may the Council advise on?

The Council may offer guidance on matters involving cultural preservation, community impact, historical stewardship, intergenerational well-being, development priorities, partnerships, and other issues affecting Greenwood’s future.

 

How is the Council different from other community advisory bodies?

The Council of Elders contributes historical, cultural, and intergenerational guidance. Other proposed bodies may provide broader resident participation or focus specifically on reviewing physical development within the Kirkpatrick Heights/Greenwood Master Plan area.

 

Does the Council replace broader community engagement?

No. The Council provides an important source of trusted counsel, but it does not speak for every resident or replace public meetings, resident participation, stakeholder engagement, or other community feedback processes.

 

How can the community learn about the Council’s work?

GLC will share Council information, member profiles, organizational updates, and relevant community engagement opportunities through its website and public communications.