Editor experiences community culture first-hand

By Amanda Phipps
phippsa@mytjnow.com

A Place for Hope was named for Hope Witlock, a 95-year-old resident of Blackman Road. Photo by Amanda Phipps • phippsa@mytjnow.comI met some of the nicest and strongest people out on that dirt road. 

I did not know what to expect when I visited Blackman Road last Thursday with my photojournalism class. 

The first place we stopped was A Place for Hope, a center named for Hope Witlock, a 95-year-old resident who has helped many people through hard times by offering her home to them. 

I was lucky enough to meet Hope, a very sweet and tough woman. She was happy to see us all and offered us a seat right away. Her home may be a little rough and she doesn’t live in the best conditions, but she doesn’t let that get her down. She was very inspirational because she helped others who are in a worse position than she is. I feel very blessed to have met her and see how much she can do for others even when she has so little herself. 

Hope also never misses church and walks a mile down the road to the community church every Sunday. 

I was also lucky enough to meet the man who built the church by hand, the Rev. James Hill.  

Hill is a sweet, older man who has been through a lot and built the community for the people. He spoke to us about all he did and what we could do. He told us that it was up to us and we could do something meaningful with our lives. 

“I love for someone to tell me I can’t,” Hill said.  

Rev. Hill told us he has helped many poeople through their troubles and has gotten them back on their feet. He is a strong guy with a good purpose in life, and it was inspirational to hear him speak about his life and the people he’s helped. 

I’m glad I got to see Blackman Road live and how the residents can be strong and make a good life for themselves. I hope this community gets the help it needs, because its residents really deserve it.