Kathleen Sum Kim Testimonial

My name is Kathy Kim. I am the daughter of a Dudley Square Merchant, Alpha & Omega, since 1972. I have been a pro bono community activist for the community for the last 10 years especially for the merchants, youth and the homeless neighbors. I held/hold positions with the Dudley Square Merchants Association, Boston Police Advisory Council, Status Quo, Founder/ Coordinator of Dudley Square Outreach Initiative Homeless Outreach Program - Alpha & Omega. I met Chuck about 10 years ago at a Dudley Pride community meeting and since then have wondered where such positive balanced energy to lift up a community in struggle came from. He would speak for many who were voiceless and always spoke with a balance from his heart, mind and soul.

Over the years I watched, experienced and heard Chuck’s dedication, knowledge, passion, balance and heart to the community. He would be at every community meeting, challenge and celebration seven days a week. He would read Christmas stories to the youth holiday celebrations at the library, speak and support the residents especially veterans/elderly/ homeless, fight for CORI reform at the State House, anti violence, strike balancing conversations/ arguments for educational resources, celebrate positive steps and overdue human programs/ resources entering the community after hard fought battles, speak against the Biolab… and most of all maintain consistent love for the community.

The homeless program is just one example of Chuck’s work in the community that I can personally write about.  I invited Chuck to a meeting about 5 years ago with the Department of Public Health to fight for funding to help our long time Dudley Square Homeless Neighbors.

He chaired the Dudley Square Outreach Initiative Working Group for over 40 sessions to help our Dudley Square community especially those who were homeless. He never missed one session showing his dedication, commitment and passion to help a neighbor into a better quality of lifestyle, to help them move to a positive step and to have what our neighbors deserve as citizens in this country and as constituents of his district.

As the founder, I will say that the funding has been successful and the program has helped and continues to help our houseless neighbors into safe housing and connection to social services that were not here in Dudley Square. This program would not have existed without Chuck and the DSOI Working Group. It is historical that it exists now and that there is finally something in the Dudley Square community to help homeless human development and not just the building development that is “freshly” ongoing since 10 years ago.

It was mentioned on how interesting it has been on how much media has been present outside of Chuck’s office and residence since this allegation has been presented. What I find funny is that when there is good in the neighborhood such as when Chuck presented Status Quo (Roxbury/ Dorchester Young Residents) Resolution of Appreciation Awards for their finalist position on MTV’s Randy Jackson America’s Best Dance Crew where millions across the world participated in there was only 1 media outlet present. Chuck stated proudly, “Status Quo put Roxbury on the map.” Now there is negative in the community and it looks like a movie set in front of Chuck’s office and residence. Shame on the backward media.

There has been anger and bitterness around Chuck lately. After the City Hall Rally, I attended the Strategic Meeting where Chuck reminded many of us to flip the negative with our positive. I believe a challenge has been given to the community that has been in struggle because the community can handle it and will make all stronger and a shining positive example/ lesson to those who are blinded with such negative.

Thank Goodness for Chuck’s Love and Keep Standing with Chuck.

- Kathy Kim
Dudley Square Merchant