40 Years of Active Community Involvement

Owetta McNeil has lived in Park Hill since 1968. The GPHN sat down with the mother of four, former DPS school secretary, and long-time community activist to talk about all three occupations.
Q: You’ve been in Park Hill for 43 years now, Owetta. What has it been like living in this neighborhood since 1968?
A: From the moment I arrived, it was apparent that the addition of another family of color was a bit more than desired because it was only a few days before several “For Sale” signs went up.
Determined to be a good neighbor, I knocked on every door on each side of the block and made it a point to introduce myself and make it known that I would appreciate any verbal feedback regarding negative behaviors of my children because I believed in discipline.
In 1972, there was quite a bit of concern about the way people of color were being verbally intimidated and physically abused by the local police department and other outside districts during late evening altercations that resulted in my need to form an advocacy group called Concerned Citizens Council. The group grew to 83 members and included residents, like Art and Bea Branscombe, who advocated for a change in the leadership at District 2 Police Station.
That was accomplished, after many meetings, when Doral Smith was appointed as the Captain of District 2. His personal demeanor was effective in quelling the unrest in Park Hill between people of color and the police department.
Park Hill became a place of enjoyment where my four children made new friends, became known to the neighbors as good kids and availed them all the eminities of wholesome living under the guidance of a single parent.
Working at Smiley Middle School, when Harold Scott was the Principal, was advantageous because I could monitor the behaviors of my children (which they weren’t too happy about). The teachers kept me updated on their educational progress on a regular basis.
After settling in, my neighbors knew that their children were in good hands when they visited and that I was a vigilant parent about the well-being of their children. There were many marshmallow and wiener roast. Hop-scotch and double dutch rope tournaments occurred daily and group bike rides to City Park were always an added joy.
Park Hill holds a lifetime of great memories of the past and a daily encounter of new ventures and new neighbors.
Q: What groups and associations do you currently belong to, and which have you belonged to previously?
A: I am currently involved on various levels with the following groups: AARP Chapter 995, be well Health Initiative, C-Stahr (Community members & Medical Students Against Racism), Denver Public Schools Retired Clerical Personnel (DPS HENS), Denver East Lions, East Denver Church of Christ, Elder Impact Coalition, Fraternal Order of Eagles #3461, Gopher for Seniors, Holly Area Redevelopment Project, NAACP Denver, NABVETS – National Association of Black Veterans, Neighborhood Alliance, Northeast Park Hill Coalition, Platinum Play Family Fun Event Center, Rose Hospital’s Health and Happiness 2 U group, Taking Neighborhood Health to Heart, The Garden – Neighborhood Food Co-op Project, TRIAD – Senior Advocacy, and 2040 Partners for Health Immersion Project. I am a former member of State Representative Beth McCann’s Energy, Justice & Legislation committees, Optimist Club of Denver – Judge, and Business and Professional Women (BPW). I’ve probably forgotten a couple.
Q: You received a nomination for the Juanita Ross Gray Community Service Award this spring. How many other awards have you been nominated for and received?
A: I am actively involved with 22 organizations/groups and I’m advocating for people with a variety of purposes. My enthusiasm has not gone without notice because I’ve been surprised, in the last five months, with four awards for my Community Service. The latest one was awarded by the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).
Previous awards were presented by: the be well Health Initiative for Community Health Leadership, for Completion of Block Captain Training and for Valuable Contributions to the Stapleton Foundation’s Neighbor to Neighbor Program; 2040 Partners for Health for the Citizen Spotlight recognition; AARP for Community Health Leadership; and Celebration of Families-Students, Inc. for The Family Tree Award.
Q: What moved you to become so involved in the affairs of the community?
A: At the age of 8, I could hardly wait to get my household tasks done before asking my mother if I could go help a lady who was overweight, blind and 90 percent deaf. My admiration for older people was impacted by those who were mentally and physically disabled and had no financial means or resource referrals available.
I’ve always advocated for the underdog who has no voice. I’m very disheartened when I see or hear of anyone (and especially seniors) being taken advantage of by friends, neighbors or their own children.
For all these reasons, as well as my own personal experiences, I engage in positive opportunities that allow me to “learn, share and grow.” When I can learn something that I can share with someone, we both grow. I continually advocate for accessible community healthy food locations, primary health care and mental health care resources, civil rights justice for those who have no voice, a decrease in medical discrimination and promotion of political awareness.
Q: What is your current community calendar filled with?
A: My calendar always looks like black-out bingo. There are times when I have as many as 4 meetings in one day and some of them fall within the same 6 – 8 p.m. time frame. I’ve learned to split my time between them and make it to all of them.

Owetta maintains an e-mail distribution list. To join it, contact her at orm2541@aol.com.