This Is Uncomfortable “Unlocking the Gates” on housing and economic opportunity
Mar 6, 2025
Lee Hawkins, a journalist and author specializing in Black family history, shares a compelling narrative about his upbringing in Maplewood, Minnesota. He explores the historical segregation and the challenges faced by Black families seeking housing. The story focuses on the groundbreaking decision by the Hughes family to sell lots to Black buyers, sparking a vibrant community. Hawkins also reveals a secret nighttime deal that enabled this opportunity, highlighting its lasting impact on property access and economic advancement for future generations.
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Childhood In A Close-Knit Suburb
- Lee Hawkins describes growing up in a Maplewood neighborhood that was once overwhelmingly white but became a thriving Black suburban community.
- He recounts friendships, basketball nights, and how children played together as part of a close-knit community within a larger white suburb.
A Night Deal That Opened Doors
- James and Francis Hughes bought farmland and quietly sold lots to Black families after white sellers refused to sell to them openly.
- Their actions created a ripple effect that allowed many Black families, including Lee Hawkins's, to move into Maplewood and build community wealth.
Civic Organizing Cemented Stability
- Black homeowners in Maplewood engaged civically, forming a Human Rights Commission and neighborhood groups to defend and sustain the community.
- Collective civic participation helped transform the area into a respected, meticulously kept neighborhood despite initial resistance.
