Consider This from NPR How One LA Neighborhood Reveals The Racist Architecture Of American Homeownership
May 10, 2021
The podcast explores the historical legacy of Sugar Hill, a once-thriving Black neighborhood in Los Angeles, now diminished by urban development. It dives into the systemic barriers that have long restricted Black homeownership, particularly through racially restrictive covenants. Personal stories unveil the emotional trauma of families displaced by freeway construction, highlighting the ongoing battle for housing justice. Legal victories under the 14th Amendment illuminate the community's resilience amid persistent discrimination, shedding light on the broader fight for equity in housing.
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Sugar Hill's Charm
- Ra Nickerson grew up in Sugar Hill, a vibrant Black community in Los Angeles.
- The neighborhood boasted large Craftsman homes and was once home to prominent Black figures.
Hattie McDaniel's Soirees
- Hattie McDaniel, known for her role in "Gone with the Wind," lived in Sugar Hill.
- She hosted lavish parties attended by famous musicians like Duke Ellington and Ethel Waters.
Racially Restrictive Covenants
- Racially restrictive covenants were used to prevent Black people from buying homes in white neighborhoods.
- These covenants were included in property deeds and specified who could not buy the property.
