The Root Shock article brought to light a lot of issues I never realized about Urban Renewal. While the idea of creating more “modern developments” isn’t a negative concept, the way it was approached in the United States was discriminatory.

Shortly after World War I, the African American population began to urbanize, and by the 1950’s African American residents across the United States “although not blind to problems, thought of their communities as vital, exciting places.” But then the Urban Renewal Act of 1949 was passed and soon after began affecting the African American communities all across the United States. Their communities were considered “slums” and were slated to be bulldozed down and used to build newer, more expensive housing.

This ” oppression grew” until over 800 African American communities were displaced, forcing a majority of residents to more into ghettos or face homelessness. This not only promoted segregation, but it also had a negative emotion toll on generations to come for those who were forced out of their homes. Targeting the African American residents was a clear sign of segregation, yet this went on for years and still continues to affect many people today.

The article itself references back to the Native Americans who were also a victim of unfair displacement and have “still not recovered.” Looking at Native American communities today they will probably never be able to fully recover and carry on the culture that was ripped away from them before they had rights.

Community Planning without Displacement highlights the idea that we should strive to improve areas without taking away people’s homes and livelihood. It also talks about the fact that any changes made, especially in a densely populated location such as New York City, must be strategic and well thought out. Moving forward the policy revolving around the idea of creating more modern structures and communities must be mindful of those already occupying the area.