A Gathering and photo show at the Bomb Shelter after all these years was a way of reflecting the strength of New Bedford’s Cape Verdean community. The “Bomb” that had been an important part of the neighborhood's Cape Verdeans heritage since 1933, and its loss of history would be a significant blow to the community's identity and sense of place. With the commuter rail coming down from Boston we had been working to avoid gentrification of this neighborhood. Our Action project was an Open House to share stories of events and experiences at the “Bomb Shelter.”- the shelter that had become an iconic meeting place – a basement a neighborhood home that became a gathering place for many generations of Cape Verdeans. We spread positivity and raised our voices to let all know that community pride is available to all.-The New Bedford CLF Healthy Neighborhood team 2023
