Equitable Revitalization in Traditionally Marginalized Communities

Tera Williams (Boston Architectural College)

Current revitalization methods in traditionally Black communities look at land as a commodity rather than a foundational piece to the story of its inhabitants. These revitalization efforts often work to bring in outsiders and subsidize their visions rather than supporting and amplifying existing parts of the community’s social structure. This process ultimately erodes the social fabric of a neighborhood and drives up rent, displacing people from their homes and removing the communal aspects of living in the city from the neighborhood. Revitalizing a neighborhood equitably based on the cultural values and narrative surrounding the community will improve the health of that community without displacing long-time citizens. Revitalization should be about the overall health of the existing community members. Creating an alternative model of revitalization that economically empowersthe existing community and works to meet their needs is the equitable way to move forward. The existing systems are not adequately serving marginalized communities. Existing community placekeeping efforts are working to combat social distress stemming from inequitable policies. Placemaking efforts need to be equitably undertaken and catered towards the existing community. Looking at displacement and erasure within the built environment is vital to those efforts. To do this, Tacoma, WA is training local artists to do community engagement work and utilizing those artists to convey community sentiments to the city. These artists have ties to the community and a level of buy-in from community members that outsiders would not be able to achieve.