On July 11, 2017, tenants of the Clay Arsenal Renaissance Apartments (CARA), with the support of CAC, held a public action at Shiloh Baptist Church on Albany Avenue to demand better housing. Despite the Landlord, Emmanuel Ku, getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax abatements and $1.6 million in federal subsidies from Housing and Urban Development (HUD), CARA tenants were stuck trying to raise families in hazardous housing that included mice and pest infestation, severe mold, inoperable windows, and broken smoke detectors.
Since the initial action, tenants have been successful in getting the City to re-evaluate and address its policies, procedures, and implementation capacity. Below is an interview with tenant leader Joshua Serrano.
How did you get involved with CAC?
A month before the July action, I was in the CARA leasing office disputing an issue. AJ happened to be there and overheard. He introduced himself and explained what CAC does. He asked me, “If you had someone to back you up, would you be willing to fight?” Since I had already been fighting by myself, I told him, “If the organization will have my back, I’m down, let’s go for it!”
What part of the CAC experience do you find most helpful/beneficial?
CAC has helped me not only find my voice, but also be empowered and that is one of the best feelings. Using my voice makes me heard, but having people react to what I say is power! CAC has helped to give power to our voices. I had experienced that a little on my own, but this experience took it to a new level. The other tenant leaders and I have been able to get the attention of people in high places through the No Slumlords campaign.
What would you say about CAC if someone asked you?
I would explain that CAC specializes in organizing everyday people who, on normal bases, would not have access to certain information and knowledge. CAC backed our voice and gave us a platform to express our concerns, as well as gather thoughts and resources to take action. In addition, my relationship with my fellow tenant leaders have improved because we are in this movement together. I wasn’t engaged with my neighbors before the movement, but now we have a working relationship. I see that there are also opportunities to strengthen relationships even more.
What, if any, impact has CAC had on your life?
CAC has been a blessing! I had no sense of direction, and wasn’t doing much with my life before the campaign. However, this boosted my self-esteem and made me feel invincible, like the sky is the limit. Because of the support from Cori, A.J., Brittany, Michelle and Isaac, I have gotten back into school, which is a big step for me. Seeing particularly A.J., a man of color, excel like he does is very inspiring to me!
What is next for Josh Serrano?
Finishing my GED is first. I also hope to stay engaged in a partnership with CAC even beyond the housing campaign. I would even consider looking at organizing or advocacy work as career opportunities. I love doing this work! Because of where I came from and my experience, I will always fight to help empower the voiceless, those considered “nobodies”.
What has been most surprising to you leading this campaign?
Honestly, Congressman Larson refusing to leave the cookout that tenants held in Lozada Park until he met me. I would never have imagined that someone of that magnitude would come to my neighborhood and then wait on my time to greet me. That is unheard of, a surreal feeling that I won’t forget.
I’m learning to leave the “box” that I grew up thinking that I was in, and I am realizing that beyond that box are endless possibilities. From my heart, I am so grateful for this opportunity. My love and appreciation for CAC, its staff, and this experience run deep.
