Challenging the Norm
The Reston Black Focus made sure the needs of the Black community were met. One of the first things they challenged was the idea that because Reston was in Virginia, that its image would be a Southern, White image. They believed that Reston needed to accommodate all its residents – both Black and White, rich and poor. This was how Reston would be a successful town. These ideas can be found throughout the Reston Black Focus' archives.
The organization was not afraid to say that the developer of Reston (Gulf-Reston) had the responsibility to not let the town become ignorant like other towns were at the time.[1]They were challenging the norm by making their thoughts heard.
The Reston Black Focus did not leave all the responsibility of ensuring the town's succession. They included the citizens of Reston as well, saying that they too, must understand the history of the oppression of Black people. So that this town could be successful in uplifting the Black community which would, in return, create the "racially and economically diverse community"[2]that Reston had set out to have.
[1]Edward G. Sharp, "Reston-Special To Black Men" Page 3. Box 6, Folder 16, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries. http://mars.gmu.edu/handle/1920/9594?show=full
[2]Edward G. Sharp, "Reston-Special To Black Men" Page 5. Box 6, Folder 16, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries. http://mars.gmu.edu/handle/1920/9594?show=full
By: Hercilia Vasquez-Flores