Planning History and the Black Urban Experience: Linkages and Contemporary Implications

Abstract

This article argues for a more racially conscious perspective of planning history, one that is more sensitive to the history of African- American urbanization. For many years racial segregation and conflict influenced patterns of city residence, public housing, and renewal policies. Racial unrest and the civil rights movements helped generate "social" and advocacy planning. In the last two decades, the status of black urban life has become an increasingly important issue for those who plan central cities and metropolitan areas. It is time to recognize these linkages and address them more forthrightly. This is a particularly important area of concern for planning educators.