Columbia’s History With Eminent Domain Abuse
This weekend, the Columbia Business Journal ran a tremendous article (part one of what looks to be a series) discussing how that city used eminent domain to demolish a thriving part of its black community. I’ve discussed previously how, particularly in the mid–20th century, cities would frequently use eminent domain to accomplish “Negro removal.” I had not previously been aware of Columbia’s own experiment with this racist enterprise, and I’m thankful to the Business Journal for bringing it to light.
Evans Place in Brentwood, parts of Meacham Park in Kirkwood, Hadley Township in Richmond Heights (may not go through); there are several examples of this in St. Louis County over the past fifteen years. Now, some of these were worse than others – Evans Place was particularly non-controversial and the residents were pleased with their offers, as I understand it. But it is still the story of replacing African-American neighborhoods with shopping districts.
Comment by David Stokes — July 27, 2009 @ 1:47 p.m.