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Unveiling the Anti-Black City: A Critical Analysis of Systemic Racism in Urban Planning

Dalton Foster

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Published in The Anti Black City: Police Terror And Black Urban Life In Brazil

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Book Cover Of 'The Anti Black City' By Justin Gest The Anti Black City: Police Terror And Black Urban Life In Brazil

: The Unseen Architecture of Racial Inequality

In his groundbreaking work, "The Anti-Black City," urban historian Justin Gest delivers a powerful indictment against the hidden ways in which urban planning has historically reinforced racial inequality and exclusion in American cities.

The Anti-Black City: Police Terror and Black Urban Life in Brazil

by Jaime Amparo Alves

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1856 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

Gest argues that the seemingly neutral practices of city planning, such as zoning, infrastructure development, and housing policy, are often imbued with deep-seated biases that have a profound impact on the lives of Black communities.

Zoning: The Tool of Residential Segregation

One of the most insidious examples of anti-Black planning is the use of zoning laws to segregate residential areas. By restricting the development of affordable housing in certain neighborhoods, cities have effectively created barriers that prevent Black families from accessing desirable neighborhoods with quality schools, healthcare, and other essential services.

Gest provides numerous historical examples of how zoning has been used as a weapon of segregation. In the early 20th century, cities like Chicago and Detroit implemented restrictive zoning codes that explicitly prohibited Black families from living in certain areas. These codes were often justified by appeals to "property values" and "neighborhood character," but their true purpose was to maintain racial homogeneity.

Infrastructure Development: Creating Disparities in Access

Urban infrastructure, such as roads, highways, and public transportation, also plays a significant role in perpetuating racial inequality. Gest argues that infrastructure projects are often planned and implemented with little consideration for the needs of Black communities.

For example, the construction of highways and interstates has often divided Black neighborhoods, making it more difficult for residents to access jobs, schools, and other destinations. Similarly, the placement of public transportation lines has historically favored white communities, leaving Black residents with limited options for mobility.

Housing Policy: The Exclusionary Practices

Housing policy is another area where anti-Black planning has had a devastating impact. Gest exposes the ways in which government policies have made it difficult for Black families to access affordable housing in desirable neighborhoods.

For example, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has historically discriminated against Black homebuyers through practices such as redlining, which designated certain neighborhoods as "risky" for investment and denied mortgages to Black families living in those areas.

The Impact on Black Lives: A Legacy of Disparity

The cumulative effect of these anti-Black planning practices has been to create a profound legacy of racial inequality in American cities. Black communities have been disproportionately burdened with environmental hazards, economic deprivation, and limited access to essential services.

Gest provides compelling evidence to show how anti-Black planning has contributed to disparities in health, education, and economic opportunity. By denying Black families access to safe and affordable housing, quality education, and well-paying jobs, cities have perpetuated a cycle of poverty and disadvantage that has had lasting consequences for generations.

Deconstructing the Anti-Black City: Paving a Path to Racial Justice

"The Anti-Black City" is not merely a condemnation of past injustices. Gest also offers a roadmap for creating more just and equitable cities.

He calls for a comprehensive re-examination of zoning laws, infrastructure planning, and housing policy, with a focus on dismantling the racist assumptions that have guided these practices in the past.

Gest also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the planning process. By giving residents a voice in shaping their neighborhoods, cities can create more inclusive and responsive plans that meet the needs of all communities.

: A Call for Transformative Change

"The Anti-Black City" is a must-read for anyone who cares about racial justice and the future of American cities. Gest's rigorous research and powerful analysis provide a deep understanding of the systemic racism embedded in urban planning.

By dismantling the "anti-Black city," we can create more equitable and inclusive communities for all."

The Anti-Black City: Police Terror and Black Urban Life in Brazil

by Jaime Amparo Alves

4.8 out of 5