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

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.

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.

Equal Justice Initiative: The Transatlantic Slave Trade- A Report for Educators