Breaking Barriers and Getting to the Next Level with the Greater Washington Urban League
In an interview, Mr. Lambert gave insight to the
challenges he’s met with the Greater Washington
D.C. region compared to working in the same role
across other cities in the nation.
The Greater Washington region, which includes
Montgomery and Prince Georges County, has one
of the wealthiest African American populations
in the country. Unfortunately with such a rapid
growth in the middle class, there is also an
increased fear of stigma or shame associated with
requesting help with issues such a foreclosure or
a termination notice from the electric company.
This is an area of cultural competence in which the
League has particular insight. For example, during
the mortgage crises a couple of years ago, banks
in Prince George’s County were having a difficult
time informing residents of their options to stave
off foreclosure. The League recommended having
office spaces where it would not be noticeable if
clients were coming in to navigate a foreclosure or
inquire about a million dollar loan. It made a world
of difference.
“In the non-profit and social service space we have
to think about how to go about our business with
the clientele that we serve, preserving their dignity
and treating them with respect”, Lambert explains.
Though there are actions that can be taken up to
the 11th hour for families in financial crises, Mr.
Lambert believes that if people reach out to the
League when they receive their first notice, there
would be a significant increase in the level of
support that they could receive. The challenge is to
inform the community of the programs and remove
the barriers to seeking help.
On the other end of the spectrum is gentrification
in the District of Columbia. Gentrification is a
controversial and often polarizing topic. Those who
are against it often believe that minorities are being
pushed out of urban areas. Mr. Lambert eloquently
points out that minorities have also benefited from
the development in the city. “We too are a part of
the transition. It’s not about race, its economics”,
says Lambert.
He views the challenge of gentrification as one of
education and fairness, especially with elders. Native
Washingtonians and long-term residents are not
22
Fall/Winter 2016 | NURAMagazine.com