local focus
An organization’s call to improving the city by S h e r r i R o b i n s o n
In this economy, one might be inclined to think that this would not be a good time for the Improvement League of Plant City to continue investing in projects such as the Bing House. They know times are tough and getting funding is even more difficult, but not impossible. This tireless organization sees the bigger picture and does not allow hard times to deter its mission of preservation and outreach. Plant City is full of history, yet untold. That’s why Henry Johnson, president of the Improvement League of Plant City, and William Thomas believe that what they are doing is worthwhile with their current project of restoring the Bing Rooming House, located at 205 S. Allen St. It was built in the 1920s and housed blacks during segregation. When it is completed, it will be opened as a Museum of Black
History. Visitors will learn about segregation, civil rights and many of the accomplishments of those who made a difference in education and business. Many of the people from that era are still living and have been sharing their personal experiences and memories with the Improvement League. Due to increasing costs and a slow economy, it has taken longer than expected to finish the restorations, but currently only $75,000 is needed to complete the interior and second floor before opening. Though the Bing House has been the main focus, the organization is also working diligently on programs that offer services to help the community’s youth. One important program that is gaining notoriety is Plant City Eagles Youth Football and Cheerleaders, which now has 242 boys, 32 coaches
This step team competes in the MLK Step Show. Another way the Improvement League influences the community. Photo courtesy of William Thomas
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november 2009 thefocusmagazine.com
The Improvement League helps with Plant City Eagle football. Photo courtesy of William Thomas
and several girls (who are really taking an interest and working hard to create a great cheerleading team). The football program is only one of several mentoring opportunities that are proving to reap tremendous benefits not just to the kids, but also for the volunteers. Many of the coaches themselves have had struggles in their own lives finding direction but now have purpose and inspiration because of working with the boys. Recently, the team has gotten the attention of Kellen Winslow, tight end for the Tampa Bay Bucs, and the NFL, who are both donating funds to enhance the Eagles football field. Though the Improvement League offers sports, they also provide programs that help enhance education by using computer labs and tutorials. Everyone is invited to participate in the programs. The Improvement League is working to clean up and save the environment. They received a grant and are working with the EPA to
clean up the area where Coronet Industries was closed. Providing affordable housing is another passion of theirs. They are working with the Community Development Council to make that happen. “Our organization has been around for 20-plus years improving the lives of children,” Thomas said. “We are always trying to reinvent ourselves.” They couldn’t have done it without all the volunteers and donations. There are always openings for new volunteers to work with children and positions available on the board of directors. Don’t forget about the MLK Festival coming up Jan. 15 – 17, with the parade scheduled for the 16th. The Statewide High School Step Team Competition will be something to see, so check it out. For more information on The Improvement League of Plant City programs and the schedule for the MLK Festival, log on to www.improvementleague. com.