Erasure of Black Communities
African-Americans have historically been impacted by systems of oppression. These oppressive and often harmful acts of hate have led to the erasure of Black culture in order to perpetuate systems steeped in "Whiteness". In many history lessons or even within society as a whole these stories have gone untold within schools or even homes. The dark histories placed upon African-Americans should be brought into the light in order to reimagine the world as more just and humane. Here are a few of those hidden stories.
Prior to 2021-Present: Gentrification
Gentrification has historically involved the influx of people of socioeconomic status within predominately Black communities. With the increase in this system there has been a large displacement of Black families and cultures and sometimes the complete erasure of their existence within specific communities. With a disregard to the histories and norms of Black business, traditions, and communities, gentrification has perpetuated the oppressive systems on otherwise marginalized groups.
Barry Farm- Hillsdale was established in 1867 as a settlement for former enslaved Civil War veterans. During the settlement African-Americans spent decades building norms: business, community spaces, etc. for the once thriving community and were immediately impacted by the lack of resources both environmental, health, and social needs to continue to thrive. With the continued lack of resources, the racial enforcement and environmental contamination, the are of Barry Farms was left to degrade until a redevelopment proposal was made to relocate the decade long residents to other areas and redesign/gentrify the
BARRY FARMS: A FORMER RESIDENTIAL AREA FOR BLACK COMMUNITIES
A LOOK AT GENTRIFICATION IN A HISTORICALLY BLACK COMMUNITY IN DC
The Color of Law
The erasure of black communities has historically been implemented by the American government. With this read, educators may gain insight on the ways in which segergated neighborhoods have led to complexities in Black culture.
The Black Butterfly
An account of the effects and impacts of various systems that have directly impact Black communities within Baltimore City.
1950s-2016: Environmental Racism within Black Canadian communities
In Nova Scotia, a case study is done that interrogates the impacts of environmental neglect in racism on Black and Indigenous communities in Canada. A team of researchers examine the environmental injustices impacting a predominately Black community that has been subjected to the development of waste centers within close proximities to their urban communities. The research worked to determine the implications on the health of Black communities in Nova Scotia and the ways in which the vulberability of this community has given rise to health concerns, dehumanization, and overall pollution and poisioning of these community.
1921: Tulsa Race Massacre
In late May 1921, teenager Dick Rowland was falsely accused of some interaction with a white elevator attendee. This would spark one of the darkest and hidden events of American History that would become known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. Once a thriving town known as "Black Wall Street" this affluent area built with the strength, fortitude, and dedication of many Black men and women following the War was desolated by white mobs and other racial oppressed groups. Many business and homes were destroyed and lives lost. The Tulsa Race Massacre would be unheard of by the collective country for years to come. In response to the growth of the African-American community, many of these racially fueled acts of violence would plague the country.
1857: Seneca Village
Once a thriving community of over 225 Black residents, Seneca Village was home to many African-Americans before the city of New York decided to build a municipal park that would cover many blocks of downtown Manhattan. With the design of the park, many areas inhabited by African-Americans would force the immediate relocation of families and small businesses. While protrayed as squatters on the land. the residents of Seneca Village were affluent and contributing members of their community. Many of them were rightful owners of the land and therefore able to vote in a segregated period of American History.
Maritcha Remond Lyons
Maritcha Remond Lyons was once the daughter of property owners within Seneca village and would grow up to prominently known to the settlement area as an activist and educator within Brooklyn schools. During the razing of the community by New York commissions, she would go on to work within Brooklyn Public Schools and became the second black woman assistant principal within the system.
Between 1501-1867: The African Slave Trade
The enslavement of Africans set forth a long-term impact on the wellness of a body human beings. With the evolution of African descedants to the rise of the African-American race, the first forms of erasure date back to the brutal impact of the enslavement of a culture of people. Through the transatlantic slave trade, slavery took a more harsh form and led to the continued of specific systems that would lead to a constant battle for freedom, equality, and equity for people wanting to do more than survive.
transatlantic-report-PDF-web.pdfEqual Justice Initiative: The Transatlantic Slave Trade- A Report for Educators
Enslaved: Gordon aka Whipped Peter
While the slave trade was alive and thriving in the developing Americas, the brutality of the systems was often overlooked or unknown to those that perpetuated it both by owning slaves or simply agreeing with the laws that condoned it. "Whipped Peter" a formerly enslaved man fled the Lyons' Louisiana plantation was photographed during the time of the Civil War. Alongside his testimony of the harm and painful experiences of other enslaved men and women, the image of the impact of slavery on Black bodies "unknown to many Northerners" of the time, fueled the war to force the end of slavery. His photo was mass produced and circulated across the country giving voice to the dehumanizing nature of slavery that no one could no longer ignore.
