Where We Live — Larry Chatman Photography

Every large city that practiced housing segregation in the past had suffered the same fate. I have photographed in many different cities in a variety of states to reveal the tragic desolation of historic black neighborhoods. The cities themselves do not need to be identified. When one views the photographs it is apparent where they were taken. They were taken, where we live.

During the period of legal housing segregation, black neighborhoods were vibrant, self reliant, and financially diverse. There were the ever-present and expected poor, but also professionals and semi-professionals. With the abolition of housing segregation, those with the financial means and personal drive unwittingly became the instrument of destruction of our neighborhoods. When these role models moved out, those that remained were mostly those who had no other options. They were the poor and the marginally or under employed. No community could remain viable after such an evisceration.

Desegregation was a bittersweet victory.

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