THE CASA BLANCA HOTEL in IDLEWILD, MICHIGAN “Black Eden”
The Historic Casa Blanca Hotel was known for hosting African American celebrities, politicians, and scholars in its heyday.
Meet 1st Neighbor
1st Neighbor is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established by African American women educators Dr. Ida Short and Ms Betti Wiggins.
Dr. Ida Short is a dedicated educator and community activist who has worked to improve educational opportunities for K -12 and college students. Her primary research involves expanding education and workforce opportunities for African American males who have had experiences with the criminal justice system as a profiled citizen, juvenile, or incarcerated. Her past role as Vice President of the Detroit Public Schools Board of Education focused on school improvement and experiential learning through school gardening. As a Detroit Public Library board member, she championed the public’s access to literacy opportunities provided by the library. Ida Short continues to seek job training support for youth and the wider community. As a literacy advocate, she teaches composition to community college students.
Ms. Betti Wiggins is an award-winning School Nutrition Administrator with over thirty years of experience. She has worked in numerous school districts across the country. Currently, she is the Officer of Nutrition Service in Houston (Tx) Independent School District. She has built her reputation around serving healthy school meals for students, school and community gardens, and agriculture literacy. Her work comes naturally, given she
We’re updating the 1st Neighbor website
