Community Support for Linda
“I’ll be forever grateful.”
Evelyn Morse, a member of the Southern Homes and Gardens Cooperative, joins Linda to remember their 11 year struggle to create the cooperative:
Videography: leigh m. mosley; Production: Tricia Kinch; Interviewer: Ajowa Ifateyo; Editing: Molly Grover
Voices of Support
Dominic T. Moulden, Member, ONE DC’s Right to Resources Committee
“The process of walking into buildings with tenant leaders afraid of being evicted and then three to five years later walking out of these same buildings as converted limited equity cooperatives is really dream-making work. The thousands of hours and days Ms. Leaks walked with us to teach, listen, guide, and support us should not be underestimated.” (See full letter)
Jessica Gordon Nembhard
Professor of Community Justice and Social Economic Development, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York; Author of Collective Courage.
“The work that Linda Leaks did organizing housing cooperatives during a time of early gentrification in DC, as well as spending a month in 1992 in Johannesburg South Africa… indicates the local as well as national importance of Linda’s work, and her commitment to cooperatives that spans over 35 years.” (See full letter)
Amanda Huron, Associate Professor, University of the District of Columbia
“Linda Leaks has been a force for cooperative housing in Washington, D.C. But her work has also spanned the globe. In the mid 1990s, Linda traveled to South Africa at the request of a group of Johannesburg tenants who wanted help purchasing their buildings and turning them into a housing cooperative…” (See full letter)
Takada Harris, Board President and Co-op Member, Ella Jo Baker Intentional Community for Activists
“Linda’s focus, commitment, and dedication to cooperative and affordable housing has not wavered. She continues to selflessly sacrifice her time and is available for any group that calls for her help.” (See full letter)
Sczerina Perot, Attorney, AARP
“I can think of no living person that deserves this award more than Linda Leaks.” (See full letter)
Loretta Parker-Brown, Author, Founding Member of Florian Gardens Cooperative
“Linda is a born leader. She is not only highly knowledgeable about housing cooperatives, but she is also professional, and her passion and commitment to maintaining affordable housing is unquestionable..” (See full letter)
Rozanne Look, Director of Project Development, Manna Inc.
“Linda gave tenants hope and confidence that we were going to be successful! And she never gave up. Year after year she has been on the front lines of fighting for affordable housing.” (See full letter)
Martha Davis, Community Development Solutions
“Linda Leaks helped educate me about the power of persistence, and about elevating the capabilities of ordinary residents to become leaders.” (See full letter)
Evelyn Morse, Founding Member of Southern Homes and Gardens Cooperative
“Because of Linda’s dedication to humanity, I have had the privilege of staying in, and enjoying my home for 51 and a half years.” (See full letter)
Brianne Nadeau, Ward 1 Councilmember, Washington DC City Council
“Linda Leaks has been an instrumental advocate and leader for the residents of Ward 1.” (See full letter)
Tricia Kinch, Community Organizer; Housing Activist
“Linda inspired low income, grassroots, primarily African-American and Latino DC residents to stand up; speak up; and organize to create quality, affordable homeownership for themselves.” (See full letter)
Share Your Story
If you worked with Linda as a tenant, policy maker, or a housing advocate, please share your thoughts on the work and the achievements and what Linda’s work means to you.
What were some of the challenges?
How did you or your group overcome the obstacles?