After World War II, over half a million African
Americans migrated to the west coast to escape racism and discrimination after
many laws of segregation were lifted. Many flooded Southern California to find
better communities to occupy, settle down, and raise their families. Sadly
enough, they found both factors waiting for them in the Los Angeles area. Even
with the astounding numbers of blacks that migrated, 95% of the housing was
off-limits to both blacks and Asians. This resulted in overcrowding within the
confines of permitted housing locations. Many realtors helped with
the prevention of these minority groups to settle down in these “white
communities,” redirecting them to the areas the whites no longer cared to
occupy. They were restricted to housing in East of South Los Angeles, Watts,
and Compton. This separation was disheartening since these groups came in
search for a better life. There was a feeling of isolation for the black
residents of Watts, as many experienced multiple forms of discrimination
relating to housing, employment, education and politics.
I like how you document institutional-reinforced racism in Southern California. Many equate segregation and racism with the deep South, however, the same occurred, (and still does), in Southern California. You do a great job contextualizing systemic racism by pointing out the complicity of real estate agents who actively participated in segregation. You do a great job detailing the alienation marginalized groups had to contend with. The only other item to point out is editing. There are a couple of spots that need attention, and I would be happy to assist in proofing your content before you post. Great job bringing personal history and quantifiable statistics into the segregation debate.
ReplyDeleteI cleaned up my layout a bit so let me know what you think
DeleteLooking good so far, Tiffany!
ReplyDelete