“I’ve been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to write this story,”explains Jessica of the NJ Tree Foundation. “Bryan is only the most inspirational man I’ve ever met. As if this story could possibly do him justice…” Well, here’s to trying!
Jessica met Bryan in early 2009 at a North Camden Greening Committee meeting. As a Rutgers student and life-long North Camden resident, he attended the meeting out of curiosity. “I wanted to become more involved in my community, and I wanted to see the vacant lots in my neighborhood converted into green spaces,” he explained. Bryan still stands strongly behind the statement “Camden residents shouldn’t have to leave their communities to take their families to a safe park.”
Looking back, Jessica learned about community organizing from Bryan. Going door-to-door, connecting with people on a real level, hearing their concerns and empowering them to address those issues – that is what grassroots work is all about. At a community meeting in North Camden, with over 75 residents in attendance, Bryan explained, “This community park won’t breed crime. We won’t let it. We will tell our brothers, sisters, cousins, friends — we will not stand for crime in our park.” We could see that people believed in Bryan – that his passion lifted their spirits and helped them see that change is possible if community members get involved.
In 2010, Bryan became President of the non-profit Concerned Citizens of North Camden (CCNC). He adopted a vacant lot in his neighborhood, once full of trash and debris, and converted it into a pocket park. With help from the NJ Tree Foundation, LOWES, and the Camden City Garden Club, this abandoned lot became home to evergreen trees, colorful perennials, bright green sod, and 3 raised vegetable beds. A beautiful asset to the local neighborhood, Bryan named this space the Eliza Morton Community Garden Park in memory of his late grandmother.
Soon after, through Opportunity ReConnect, Bryan assisted individuals in transition from the prison system to develop resumes, connect with local opportunities for volunteerism and employment, learn computer skills, and more. He later resurrected the North Camden Little League after decades of it not existing, engaging hundreds of youth in organized sports with no funding whatsoever. The power of donations and volunteer time! Now he is at the forefront of transforming Pyne Poynt Park, a $3 million project phased to begin in 2013. He’s been monumental in beautifying Northgate Park – from painting benches to building tables to fundraising for new playground equipment. In 2012, he started working for the YMCA of Camden and Burlington Counties, partnering with the NJ Partnership for Healthy Kids and other organizations to provide after-school and weekend activities at Northgate Park and the North Camden community center.
Bryan Morton is a highly respected member of the North Camden community. We are thrilled to have him as a member of the NJ Tree Foundation Board of Trustees, in addition to being a local partner and volunteer. Bryan, thank you for all you do. You inspire us beyond words!