Throughout American history, economic and social systems relegated communities of color—especially Black communities—to environmentally hazardous urban landscapes. Ujiji Davis’ piece, The Bottom: The Emergence and Erasure of Black American Urban Landscapes, illustrates how the Bottom came to be in states across the country. The Bottom is a colloquial term that referred to the dark marshy soil or land of poor value where Black communities in segregated areas lived. Davis explains how Bottoms were similar to other urban areas in that it had both positive and negative realities of urban living. There were both opportunities to thrive and build wealth, but also the presence of violence, organized crime, and corruption.
Over time, Bottoms as urban spaces have undergone significant transformations from redlined neighborhoods to industrial sites to public infrastructure to gentrified landscapes. These transformations did not necessarily occur in this order nor did they always take these forms. However, through changes where buildings were razed and replaced, Black American stories and experiences were erased.
Landscapes cannot be understood without learning the histories within them. Davis’ piece provides a way of understanding Black urban landscapes in America. It adds to conversations about environmental justice, environmental racism, and intersectional environmentalism which addresses the connections between injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth.
As injustices like gentrification push out marginalized populations, actions are being taken. As Davis concludes, marginalized residents must be key players in the transformation of their neighborhoods to continue the Black vernacular landscape rather than erase it. This honors the people and the stories within these landscapes.