Kristen Kelly
Kristen Ruccio
Conversation Project
9 December 2018
A History of Inequality
ATLANTA
In 1906 there was a riot in the city of Atlanta. This historic event that is often overshadowed in U.S. history is known as the Atlanta Race Riot. Mobs of white southerners attacked black citizens of Atlanta and invaded their neighborhoods. African Americans were attacked, abused, shot, lynched and hung. This terroristic event resulted in the death of at least 25 African Americans.
After the Civil War housing shortages forced African Americans to settle into areas with subpar housing and inflated prices. These residents suffered from frequent flooding and sewage bursts that caused diseases.
African American homebuyers faced challenges such as discriminatory mortgage insurance and loaning. Areas that were redlined by were refused service by banks, mortgage lenders and property insurance. It wasn't until the late 1950s that the practice of forced housing patterns was outlawed.
However property owners and banks found other ways to discourage black buyers such as violence and intimidation.
Blockbusting became a common practice in which real estate agents convinced white property owners to sell their property at extremely low prices based on the fear that racial minorities would soon begin to move into the area.
The concentration of poverty was high as African Americans were forced into areas within the metro Atlanta area.
Racism and poverty plagued the city in the 1970s. Due to disenfranchisement and many other obstacles African Americans lacked the power to make political changes. Without political representation systems of oppression lasted for decades.
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In the 1980s the city of Atlanta drastically grew. African Americans had more say in politics, however they faced serious issues.
Questions of resolutions to inequalities such as residential segregation, education, and public services are issues policy makers still face today.
In 1990, 88% of all people living in neighborhoods of extreme poverty were African American.
2018 Gubernatorial
This recent election between Stacy Abrams and Brian Kemp received lots of attention due to discussions of voter suppression. Are we falling into the same cycles of the past?
This past gubernatorial election former secretary of state Brian Kemp was accused of voter suppression. Being secrets of state entails overseeing election processes. The states “exact-match” law, suspends voters for any discrepancies in the spelling of their name in state databases. This law has already caused the registration hold of 53,000 voters. 70% of these registrations on hold are of African American voters. This exact match law disproportionately effects voters of color and to many civil rights groups is seen as impinging on democracy. This is only a minute aspect of issues in Georgia’s voting process. For a more in-depth analysis you can read more here.
Learning
Atlanta has a rich history. However not all of this history is taught in a conventional class room. It is importantat to learn the history of Atlanta for all residents and citizens.
Understanding
The effects of longterm segregation and inequality still manifest themselves in Atlanta culture. Understanding that systematic inequality continues to effect people today is crucial in seeing the need for change. From gentrification to the recent gubernatorial election, we still see hideous traces of the past.
Conversate
Spread the word. Share with friends or family that may not be aware of how Atlanta's history continues to manifest in present times.
Use whatever platform you have to speak for those who are not in a position to speak for themselves. Add helpful insight to political conversations, ignorance is no longer an option.
Act
Take action. Advocate for the misrepresented and those who suffer most from the city's history. Become involved in politics. Voting is only one way of civic engagement. Use your voice as a voter to represent those whose voices are stifled by a rich history of inequality and disenfranchisement. You can become a bearer of change within the community.