The Contribution Of A Community In Seedfolks By Paul Fleischman

As the famous author Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” What she means by this, is that through the contributions and support of the community, people can come together and truly form a connection. Likewise, in the book Seedfolks, Paul Fleischman, a diverse group in Cleveland, Ohio, is brought together through the aid of each other. The group on Gibb Street is transformed into a community because of Leona’s ambition towards clearing the lot, the collaboration of Curtis and Royce, and the celebration of the harvest festival.
To begin, Leona’s contribution to the group’s transformation into a community is through her ambition towards clearing the lot. As Leona believes that people will not be motivated to garden until the litter is removed, she is determined to clean up the lot. Leona announces, "The garbage was piled as high as your waist... But I knew precious few would join until that mess was hauled far away." (25-26). It was Leona’s contribution which then led people to begin gardening. Leona adamantly protests to get the trash removed, her actions driving many new people into the garden. Leona shows that dedication to the community contributes to a stronger

Curtis notices that Royce is in a time of need, with a rising sense of empathy, he chooses to help Royce out. Curtis explains his actions, “I’m the one who found him…I bought him breakfast and we made us a deal,” (57). Curtis sees Royce struggling and helps him. In a community it’s vital to recognize others’s suffering, and help others when they need it. Curtis shows that communities are formed when people lend a helping hand without being asked. Curtis’s assistance towards Royce is critical to the making of this community, because it shows how a community can be a support system when facing