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1/Sixty-plus years ago, the white leaders of Newport News, Virginia, wielded their eminent domain power to seize the core of the thriving Black community of Shoe Lane to build a college. The school has been gobbling up the remaining houses ever since.
2/Touted to rejuvenate neighborhoods, urban renewal actually shattered thriving communities, particularly affecting Black areas. Eminent domain played a role, letting government entities and universities expand.
3/Our reporting documents this disturbing and largely overlooked reality behind the growth of higher education in Virginia and across the country.
4/Here’s our story for @propublica @VCIJ_Tweet co-published by @Essence and @chronicle: propublica.org/article/how-vi…
@propublica @VCIJ_Tweet @Essence @chronicle 5/The college became independent from William and Mary in 1977. Today it is Christopher Newport University.
A university spokesperson said that it acknowledges that residents were displaced and it has “spearheaded efforts to raise awareness of this history and its impact.”
A university spokesperson said that it acknowledges that residents were displaced and it has “spearheaded efforts to raise awareness of this history and its impact.”
@propublica @VCIJ_Tweet @Essence @chronicle 6/ The spokesperson also said: “At the same time, the University’s growth has fueled the economic revival of Newport News’ mid-city area.” propublica.org/article/how-vi…
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