Violence is at the core of the existence of the United States. Violence is at the core of the existence of Charleston. So as an oppressed nation within its borders, violence in our communities should not be surprising to anyone. What should be surprising is that we continue to look to those responsible for the violence for solutions to solving it. . . .
gentrification
The Jackson-Kush Plan & the Struggle for Land
While the land relationships that dominate this society have implications for every relation in society, the recent crisis of gentrification and forced removal in low income Black communities, along with the volatile boom-bust real estate cycles, has made the struggle for adequate housing the most pronounced battleground in an increasingly intense war over the vision for the future of how we relate, prioritize and manage access to land. . . .
Witnessing the Selling Out of Juneteenth Right Before Our Eyes
the militant and uncompromising spirit of the Juneteenth celebrations I grew up with has been replaced by a dominant “can we all get along” party atmosphere that uplifts symbolic progress while hammering the message that the absolute only legitimate form of struggle that is morally acceptable is that waged through the capitalist electoral process on an individual basis. . . .
City Planners and Revolution
What is the role of the planner in the revolution for Black liberation? Do regional and city planners even have a role? Community building will be necessary to life post revolution. Cities that are centered around love and meeting the needs of the people are vital. . . .
The Coronapacalypse: Why COVID-19 Targets Redlined Black Neighborhoods in Hypersegregated Cities
This article on racial- segregation was originally posted on Medium The coronavirus pandemic is currently ravaging America and ripping through redlined Black neighborhoods. In cities such as Detroit, Milwaukee, Chicago, New York, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Buffalo, COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire. This is not random. Coronavirus – like nearly all diseases or conditions (be it HIV, toxic lead exposure, or food insecurity) – takes root in the neighborhoods that have been redlined and subprimed. Coronavirus is erupting in the places that have been marginalized and demonized in the construct of American Apartheid. The data below from the University of . . .