No man is an island, Entire of itself.
Therefore, send not to know For whom the bells toll, It tolls for thee.
These lines were excerpted from a piece in a book of meditations by English poet John Donne in the 17th century, who enjoyed renewed fame in the 20th century via American author Ernest Hemingway’s masterpiece novel “For Whom The Bell Tolls.” The message is timeless. No individual is isolated; each integrally connected to the whole of humanity.
And so it is with respect to “purpose” in BWNA Bylaws: “To be inclusive of all.”
Just as no man or woman is an island, so no neighborhood is a monolith isolated from diversity. For example, while Beaumont-Wilshire has less racial diversity within its boundaries than some other Eastside neighborhoods, people of various ethnicities visit our neighborhood regularly to picnic or attend a sporting event in Wilshire Park, attend a local place of worship, shop or dine out in the neighborhood, as well as for a host of other activities. Moreover, a good amount of ethnic diversity exists right here within the B-W population itself.
How do I know? Names might be an indicator. Let me explain.
I serve as coordinator for BWNA’s New Neighbor Welcoming Project, a program based on the Welcome Wagon concept of personally greeting new residents with a letter of welcome and coupons for discounts at local businesses. Over the past five years, with invaluable help from First American Title Company in providing monthly lists of new homeowners, our volunteers have delivered hundreds of welcome packets to newcomers. As for diversity, the names on these lists suggest a story of immigration — if not this generation, then perhaps from an earlier time.
Take a walk around the neighborhood and note the numerous yard signs promoting diversity and tolerance of diversity. Yet another diversity indicator is the variety of ages you see every day. I’ve heard it said that Beaumont-Wilshire is heavy on —let’s-call-them-like me, but I’ll tell you what: We’ve no shortage of babies in strollers and youthful joggers as well.
The bell tolls for inclusivity and kindness now more than ever.
Enjoy the holiday season with family, friends, and community.