Redline
Growing up in Jacksonville I was told that certain neighborhoods in town were poor or undesirable, and I never thought about why this was the case. I accepted the stigma attached to these areas as part of my understanding of the way things were. This demonstrates how systemic racism works and I was not exempt from being part of the system. Awareness enables illumination of truth and revision to beliefs. The history of public policy governing the purchase of real estate reveals a horrifying story, full of prejudice, injustice, and inequality, with repercussions spanning generations.
The survival and success of neighborhoods – an essential part of American life – rests upon the resolution of these issues. We cannot act on what we cannot see and understand. The choice to ignore the evidence and debate the results is no longer an option. I am unable to provide the solution, I can only give light to what I see and hope that others can share this vision. Collectively, there is hope to improve the future direction for everyone, regardless of race.
These are photographs of homes in Eastside Jacksonville. There is dignity to a house – it symbolizes the security and foundation of a family. At one time these houses were proper structures and now they are condemned, deemed unsuitable for habitation, and targeted for removal. One by one, the physical identity of the neighborhood is being erased. I provide the reason as a red mark across the image to portray the brutal reality of redlining and its continued adverse effect on neighborhoods everywhere. Please join me to learn about redlining and support organizations working to address its consequences.
Active, ongoing project.
Redline Map - Jacksonville, 1937 Eastside Neighborhood, 2022
Eastside 053, Eastside 059, Eastside 056
Streetscapes:
Van Buren St between 5th and 4th
E 5th St between Florida Ave and Van Buren St
