Neighborhoods: anti-racism reading and resources

The Basics

Where we live decides our schools, our air, our commute and how much wealth we can build. Many neighborhoods were shaped by racist housing policy, and many are now changing fast as rents rise. Neighbors organizing together can protect the people who make a place home.

We’ve covered neighborhoods for years. Every issue is in our archive. Read past issues >

Three words that come up again and again on this topic. See all of our key terminology >

Gentrification — Higher-income residents and investment moving into a lower-income neighborhood, often pushing longtime residents out.
Redlining — Denying or limiting services like mortgages and insurance based on the racial makeup of a neighborhood.
Mutual Aid — Community members sharing resources and support directly with one another, built on solidarity rather than charity.

The Shameful History of Sundown Towns
Beyond the legal segregation of the Jim Crow South, the U.S. is full of municipalities that were dangerous for Black travelers.
Renée Cherez Nov 15, 2022
Why Political Repression is Key to Cop City Project
Stop Cop City protesters and bail fund organizers accused of "terrorism" in the latest attempt to stifle discontent for the project.
Andrew Lee Jun 29, 2023
How Neglect and Exploitation Become the Housing Standard
Tragic building disasters will occur as long as corporate landlords get a free pass to exploit a weakened housing market and those desperate for shelter.
Dominique Stewart Jun 6, 2023
The Hidden Crisis of Youth Homelessness
Youth homelessness is a national problem causing many to face assault, trauma, and structural barriers to education and employment.
Team ARD Apr 19, 2023
The Fight to Save Philadelphia’s Chinatown
Philadelphia's Chinatown has successfully fought off previous developments, and a coalition of organizations has formed to stop the planned arena.
Team ARD Mar 15, 2023
The Role of Gentrification in Breonna Taylor’s Murder
The murder of Breonna Taylor is a reminder that gentrification, white supremacy, and police violence are all tightly connected.
Andrew Lee Mar 13, 2023

These groups are led by people of color and work on neighborhoods every day. Follow them for updates and ways to help.

Right to the City Alliance Tenant and community groups fighting displacement and gentrification. Visit their website, and follow @ourcityrttc on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
National CAPACD Supports Asian American and Pacific Islander housing and neighborhood groups. Visit their website, and follow @nationalcapacd on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
PolicyLink Research and advocacy for fair housing, transit and local development. Visit their website, and follow @policylink on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.

Independent newsrooms that cover neighborhoods often. Read and donate if you can!

Next City. Nonprofit news on fair cities, housing and local solutions. Follow @nextcityorg on Instagram.
Shelterforce. Independent magazine on affordable housing and community development.
Streetsblog USA. Nonprofit news on transit, streets and who gets access to them. Follow @streetsblog on Instagram.

ps – this is a community-created guide that is updated often. Want to make changes/corrections? Complete this form.