Our Beliefs
The mission of the Over the Hill Gang Organization is to bring to an immediate end the system of exclusion in economic and social issues. in the city of Grand Rapids. Our goal is to unite, and mobilize, the African-American community to attain economic, educational, political and social justice by any means necessary.
We will not rest, nor relinquish in our pursuit, until the following goals are attained:
1. INCLUSION, NOT EXCLUSION
We will no longer live in the status of “freed slaves.” Whites live in a privileged condition, with nearly 100 percent ownership and control of the city’s wealth, power, businesses and all levels of government support and resources. African American people must become more visible, and more involved economically, socially and politically in the Grand Rapids landscape.
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We believe that African-Americans must be accorded the opportunity to develop economic enterprises that will benefit their community, and the Greater Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area, as has been provided to the prevailing majority group.
3. OUR COMMUNITY
We plan to help organize and provide leadership to the community, the churches, businesspersons, educators, political leaders, students and grass-root people to return our community to a progressive, law-abiding part of the Grand Rapids community. Our youth must be taught self reliance, self actualization. They must be convinced they are special and have a special mission, building a future for their children’s children.
We must teach them how to establish personal and family goals and values. They must establish respect for themselves and others. They need to be taught better work habits, develop better attitudes and take control of their own destiny.
They must be convinced they can achieve what they will and take their place with the best in society. We must show them a vision that gives them a sense of being a viable part of this community.
4. EDUCATION
We firmly believe that our children must be provided a world-class education that will prepare them to live, and compete, in a global environment. Therefore, we call upon this community, and its governmental agencies, to provide this service, as dictated by the Michigan Constitution.
5. HEALTH AND NUTRITION
Poor eating habits and lack of health education is destroying the Black Community. African American are dying three times faster than all other races. They have three times more diabetes, cancer, heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, obesity and arthritis tan any race or ethnic group on earth. Some entity needs to step up and start educating people about poor nutrition environmental pollution. Health is our wealth.