We shall not be moved: D.C.'s Sisterspace and Books fights to keep historic U Street location.At BIBR's late July presstime press·time n. The time at which a publication, especially a newspaper, is submitted for printing. , Sister-space and Books' cofounders Faye Williams and Cassandra Button were standing firm on what they called their battle ground of 1515 U Street, NW." They were expecting an imminent visit from the marshals, but they were determined they would not be moved from the premises. "We're still praying, organizing, negotiating, going to court sessions, seeking investors," they wrote in an update e-mail to their supporters. After a dozen years, their landlords want to replace Sisterspace and Books with higher-paying tenants. But Williams and Burton took the landlords to court and insist the dispute is not about their unwillingness or inability to pay rent. They want to purchase the building. Williams told The Washington Times, "We deserve the right to buy this building and stay on U Street." Neighborhood community activists have joined Sisterspace's co owners in positioning the dispute as an effort to control a gentrification gentrification, the rehabilitation and settlement of decaying urban areas by middle- and high-income people. Beginning in the 1970s and 80s, higher-income professionals, drawn by low-cost housing and easier access to downtown business areas, renovated deteriorating that is driving out black businesses and residents from a traditionally black neighborhood. "Back in the day, U Street NW was the epicenter for [the District's] colored residents who were not welcome downtown. So they created a thriving business community of their own, which flourished through the late 1950s," a Site Seeing Tours flier reads. Sisterspace and Books has been a meeting place, an oasis, a safe haven 1. Designated area(s) to which noncombatants of the United States Government's responsibility and commercial vehicles and materiel may be evacuated during a domestic or other valid emergency. 2. operated under Sisterspace's nonprofit organization Nonprofit Organization An association that is given tax-free status. Donations to a non-profit organization are often tax deductible as well. Notes: Examples of non-profit organizations are charities, hospitals and schools. African American African American Multiculture A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. See Race. Women's Resource Center--supported by donations, in addition to the sales income from the bookstore. A network of loyal clientele, community activists, public officials and authors have participated in fund-raising events throughout the summer to support Sisterspace. "Financial contributors, we appreciate your support. We will return your money if we know that eviction The removal of a tenant from possession of premises in which he or she resides or has a property interest done by a landlord either by reentry upon the premises or through a court action. is certain," the cofounders wrote last summer. |
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