Do You Know What Your City Took From Black Communities?
Have you ever stopped to consider what your city might have taken from Black communities? Beyond the landmarks, the historical markers, and the stories passed down through generations, there’s a hidden history of erasure, exploitation, and displacement that many cities have swept under the rug. What if the streets you walk on, the buildings you pass, and the very neighborhoods you visit were built at the expense of Black communities? From redlining to urban renewal, the history of Black displacement in American cities is a tale of systemic injustice that continues to impact generations today.
The question isn’t just about physical space or land—it’s about culture, history, and the identity of Black communities that were forcibly removed, often without recognition or compensation. It’s time to acknowledge what cities have taken and understand the lasting impact of these actions. So, what’s the real cost of progress, and who benefits while Black communities continue to bear the weight of their loss?
The Story of Displacement: Redlining and Its Aftermath
To truly understand what’s been taken from Black communities, we must look back to one of the most insidious practices in the history of urban America—redlining. Redlining, which began in the 1930s, was a federal policy that used color-coded maps to outline areas considered “high-risk” for investment. These high-risk areas—often predominantly Black or immigrant neighborhoods—were marked in red, meaning that banks and insurance companies would not provide loans or investments to residents in these areas. What followed was decades of disinvestment, neglect, and economic isolation.
Black families were systematically excluded from the American dream of homeownership, a cornerstone of wealth-building in the U.S. Meanwhile, white families in more affluent areas saw their property values grow, their communities flourish, and their futures secured. Redlining didn’t just deny Black families the ability to buy homes—it actively contributed to the creation of racially segregated cities where Black residents had fewer opportunities to build wealth, access quality education, or benefit from municipal services.
The consequences of redlining are still felt today. The neighborhoods that were once redlined continue to experience economic challenges, including lower homeownership rates and higher poverty levels. The legacy of redlining has created a racial wealth gap that persists across generations, making it harder for Black families to accumulate and pass down wealth.
Urban Renewal: The Destruction of Black Neighborhoods
As cities began to expand and evolve in the mid-20th century, the term “urban renewal” was coined as a way to describe the process of modernizing city landscapes. On the surface, it seemed like a promising endeavor. But for many Black communities, urban renewal was a thinly veiled excuse for the destruction of their neighborhoods.
In cities like Chicago, New York, and Detroit, entire Black neighborhoods were demolished to make way for new highways, office buildings, and luxury housing. The homes, businesses, and cultural centers that had been the heart and soul of these communities were bulldozed, often without adequate compensation or relocation options for the people who lived there. The promise of better infrastructure and development was overshadowed by the forced removal of thousands of Black residents, many of whom had nowhere to go but already overburdened areas further from their work, schools, and families.
What’s worse, these policies were often touted as a “solution” to urban decay—ignoring the fact that it was decades of systemic neglect and disinvestment that led to the deterioration in the first place. Urban renewal didn’t bring progress; it brought destruction. Black communities were not just displaced from their homes; they were erased from the landscape, losing not only their physical spaces but also the cultural and historical fabric that defined them.
Gentrification: The New Face of Displacement
Fast forward to the present day, and we see the rise of gentrification—the modern-day version of the same forces that have displaced Black communities for over a century. Gentrification involves the influx of wealthier individuals into previously lower-income neighborhoods, often displacing long-time residents as property values rise and rents increase.
While gentrification is often framed as revitalization, the reality is that it disproportionately affects Black communities. What begins as “neighborhood improvement” typically leads to the eviction of Black families, who can no longer afford rising rent prices or the loss of affordable housing. Businesses that once served the local community—often Black-owned—are priced out by the arrival of trendy cafes, high-end stores, and chain retailers.
In cities like San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Atlanta, gentrification has erased entire Black neighborhoods. The stories, culture, and traditions that once thrived in these spaces have been replaced by a sanitized, corporate version of urban life. The people who helped create and sustain these communities are often pushed to the outskirts, where opportunities are fewer, and the costs of living remain high. This cycle of displacement further entrenches racial inequality, as Black communities lose both their homes and their cultural significance in the city.
What’s At Stake: The Cultural Loss
Beyond the physical displacement, what cities have taken from Black communities is the cultural richness and history that once defined these neighborhoods. Places like Harlem in New York, the South Side of Chicago, and Compton in Los Angeles were not just places to live—they were cultural epicenters where Black art, music, and history flourished.
In Harlem, for example, the Harlem Renaissance was a golden age of Black culture, where writers, artists, musicians, and intellectuals came together to redefine Black identity in America. The same can be said for neighborhoods like Detroit’s Black Bottom or the Fillmore District in San Francisco, which were once thriving cultural hubs. But as gentrification and urban renewal took hold, these spaces were commodified, sanitized, and redefined by outside forces. What was once a thriving cultural ecosystem has been turned into a “cool” neighborhood, often with little regard for the people who once called it home.
When Black communities are displaced, we lose more than just a physical space—we lose the heartbeat of those communities, their stories, and their contributions to the broader cultural landscape. The erasure of Black culture from urban spaces isn’t just a loss for the communities involved; it’s a loss for all of us. The vibrancy, creativity, and resilience that Black communities bring to our cities are what make these places unique, and once those contributions are silenced, the city loses something irreplaceable.
Moving Forward: Acknowledging the Past and Building a More Inclusive Future
So, what can we do to address what has been taken from Black communities? First, we need to acknowledge the history of displacement and the ongoing impact of policies like redlining and gentrification. This acknowledgment is the first step toward meaningful change.
We also need to advocate for policies that protect Black communities from further displacement. This includes supporting affordable housing initiatives, tenant protections, and programs that help Black families build wealth through homeownership and small business development. Additionally, we must prioritize the preservation of Black culture in urban spaces—ensuring that the people who built these neighborhoods are not forgotten and that their contributions are celebrated.
Lastly, cities must invest in the people who have been displaced by these policies. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge the past; we must work to provide Black communities with the tools and resources they need to thrive. By doing so, we can begin to undo the damage caused by years of systemic injustice and create cities that are truly inclusive and equitable for all.
What Have We Taken?
The real question isn’t just about what cities have taken from Black communities—it’s about what we’re willing to give back. The time to confront these injustices is now. Black communities have given so much to the cities they’ve helped build, and it’s time for those cities to give something back. Only then can we start to heal the wounds of displacement and create a more just future for all.