failed to support residents most in need by “deploy[ing] its resources effectively”. 228 It was becoming more of a concern for Black leaders that the displacement would only lead to on-going, entrenched poverty. The harsh realities of Buttermilk Bottom left residents desiring a better life. And yet, because of the shared sense of place and identity, connectedness, and belongingness people felt in the Bottom, and the challenges of a racist society, the terrible conditions of Buttermilk Bottom were endured. As a result, when residents were displaced from their homes and community, they experienced "root shock" to varying degrees. "Root Shock" , coined by Dr. Mindy Fullilove, describes the phenomenon of displacement whereby there is a loss of self in relationship to people and place, leading to a profound sense of loss of identity and connection. 229 Many families who were displaced from Buttermilk Bottom, Butler Street, Crescent Way, and Irwin Street– the neighborhoods of Bedford Pines even today speak about the losses with a broken heart, anger, and demands for restoration. 230 By 1958, 5,500 families were displaced, 92 percent were Black residents, 80 percent were resettled paying higher rents on meager incomes, and 31 percent were not relocated by the renewal office. 231 On November 23, 1957, the preliminary redevelopment plans for Butler Street were approved. 232 The city was slow to develop a relocation plan for families and seniors; of the 5,273 families that were forced from Butler Street and University Center Project of which 1,959 would not return to the area. 233 The housing options included public housing and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 221 Low-Cost Housing program offering a 221certificate to buy a new or older home, families also had the option to renovate. 234 However, the 221 Housing Program hit a snag as builders could not find enough “suitable” land for the project. 235 The land needed to fit within zoning requirements and be cheap enough to build low-cost property, the homes sold for $9,000 -$11,000 or $101,000- $123,400 with today’s inflation rate. 236 237 The success of resettlement required meaningful racial integration, during a period where necessitating community-wide education and media support; however, integration was unsuccessful. “Block Busting” prevented the second half of the federal urban renewal program, as identified by the news. Dr. Reid, during his presentation at Paschal Brothers Restaurant to the Black elite, criticized the city for not fulfilling its 228 Stanely , “Implications.” 229 Mindy Thompson Fullilove, MD, “ Root Shock: How Tearing Up City Neighborhoods Hurts America, and What We Can Do About It.” New York: New Village Press, 2016. 230 Conversations with seniors. August 2024. 231 Joan Hanauer, “In Some Sections They Call It ‘Negro Removal’, The Atlanta Daily World, March 4, 1958. 232 “Butler Renewal Project Ready”, Atlanta Daily World , March 23, 1968. 233 Eddie Williams, “With Urban Renewal Comes Heartbreak, Better Living, The Atlanta Daily World. December 19, 1957. Courtesy of Atlanta University Center, Robert W. Woodruff Library and Archives Research Center. 234 “City Open Urban Renewal Relocation Housing Office”, October 18, 1957. Courtesy of Atlanta University Center, Robert W. Woodruff Library and Archives Research Center. 235 Ed Hughes, “Misunderstanding Halts Housing Renewal Here”, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, March 9, 1958.
236 Hughes, “Misunderstanding Halts Housing” . 237 Inflation Tool, https://www.inflationtool.com/
B-44
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator