Samad highlights the urgent need for community-centric spaces, noting, 'People need places to hang out...the only folks allowed to build our communities back are folks who are not current residents.' His focus is on empowering local residents and creating spaces that foster connection, highlighting systemic barriers that hinder development in East Cleveland.
In discussing the dire state of his hometown, Samad states, 'East Cleveland-it's three-and-a-half square miles. There's a fire department, police department, but within the city there is no grocery store... I want to come and bring some things that we deserve in our communities.' This reflects his commitment to addressing food justice and community needs.
Samad's initiative Loiter addresses the lack of safe, nurturing places: 'We created Loiter to fill the gaping void of holistic, soul-nourishing Black hospitality spaces, among the few left by a glaring lack of development support.' This emphasizes the importance of creating culturally significant spaces in his community.
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