06/19/2026
Today, June 18th, we are pausing to wish a Happy Birthday to our beloved founder, Marva Smith Battle-Bey.
Long before the spotlight turned to South LA, Marva was already on the ground doing the deep, heart-centered work of community redevelopment. When she founded VSEDC in 1979, she didn’t just build shopping centers; she championed the fundamental right to opportunity, dignity, and a safe place to call home. She was realistic about the challenges but completely fearless in the face of them. When doors closed, she found another way. When others hesitated, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work.
Marva was a visionary who always chose to "take the high road." To her, roadblocks weren't dead ends. If she met a wall, her philosophy was simple: “'No' was not the answer. We need to find another way.” She personified what it means to lead with warmth, wisdom, and grit. Today, her spirit lives on in every small business loan we close, every community program we host, and every life we touch.
See the reflection of her journey and the timeless wisdom she left behind.
Happy Birthday, Marva 🎈
We are still carrying the torch and your vision is still our North Star.
For more information, please visit us at www.vsedc.org
