Happy 250th Birthday USA! Reflections on Life Then and Now

  While life 250 years ago in the colonies looked very different than life in 2026, there is one aspect I wish we had retained. Granted, I can only think of one. In 1776, 75% of the population was engaged in agriculture with 90% of the population living in rural villages, no electricity or running water, small houses and open-fire cooking, shorter life span, limited or no social mobility for women, minorities, slaves, and the focus was purely on survival.

         But they did have one positive aspect -- they had a strong community, were socially connected, and engaged in their collective well-being. The people attended and participated in town hall meetings and church activities, had local gathering spots, and had to self-govern and self-defend, which meant every male was part of the militia and every person contributed to the community they lived in whether a village or a city.

         When the South Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA) was formed we created a three-part mission statement – to build community, support local businesses, and politically advocate for the neighborhood. Those three goals would have fit well with life 250 years ago as well.

         And so, over the next 12 months, we want to reflect on our nation’s historyand learn from the past while we build a stronger community and nation. We really are better together. It does take a village to raise a child. No man is an island.

         We begin this month with two questions for you: What do you think is needed to build a stronger neighborhood and a stronger nation? How do we become stronger, connected, and more engaged people? Send us your thoughts – https://www.spna-dtla.org. In February’s newsletter, we will examine the data on what has changed that has led us to a less connected society.

By Debra Shrout