Rejecting Generational Trauma and Reimagining Black Neighborhoods for Economic Self-Sufficiency

Igniting Hope for Health Equity

Ep. 32 Pastor George Nicholas and Dr. Henry Taylor discuss their plan to transform Buffalo's Black east side. This episode explores the concept of a neighborly community built on principles of solidarity, community governance, shared ownership, cooperative economics, and community wealth.

We must own and control the land on which we are building our community." - Dr. Henry Lewis Taylor

Dr. Henry Taylor is a University at Buffalo faculty expert on urban issues and social, racial and economic justice. He directs the Center for Urban Studies at UB.

With an unwavering commitment to systemic transformation, Dr. Taylor elucidates the principles of creating a prosperous and equitable community framework. He ardently speaks on the imperative of governing at the neighborhood level, advocating for shared ownership, and establishing community wealth over individual wealth.

This episode is a beacon for those seeking actionable insight into catalyzing positive change within Black communities.

GET ACTIVE!

Register for the Event: How to Change the Black Eastside Monday, Feb 26th 6pm at Jacobs School of Medicine, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

Read the Report Changing the Black East Side: Pilot Initiative Will Tackle Social Determinants of Health - Community Health Equity Research Institute - University at Buffalo

• End Gun Violence Event: Thursday, February 29 10am-1pm Erie County Medical Center Smith Auditorium 462 Grider St., Buffalo, NY

Key Episode Takeaways:

• Shared Community Governance: Dr. Taylor emphasizes the significance of collective action and self-determination within neighborhoods through elected local bodies that represent community interests.
• Comprehensive Planning: Effective transformation necessitates identifying issues and systematically addressing them in unity, ensuring all community members are involved in decision-making.
• Ownership of Land: Securing control over the land on which communities are built is paramount to fortifying neighborhoods against exploitative market dynamics and gentrification.
• Economic Self-Sufficiency: The development of cooperative businesses and social enterprises enables communities to retain economic resources and foster community wealth.
• Health Equity and Infrastructure: The fixture of existing housing conditions is a pathway to addressing health disparities endemic within the black community on Buffalo's East Side.

Chapters:

0:00:00 Intro: The challenges of liberating black communities.

0:00:43 Need for black communities to take action and read Dr. Henry Lewis Taylor's report.

0:03:28 Dr. Henry Lewis Taylor discusses the condition of black communities and paths to improvement.

0:04:28 Historical pattern of Black people living in undesirable neighborhoods

0:06:00 Dr. Taylor challenges the narrative that white people don't want to live next to black communities

0:08:20 Community built on solidarity, self-governance, and shared ownership.

0:14:53 Pastor George highlights the existence of homeowner associations in wealthy neighborhoods.

0:16:09 The American way perpetuates disparities and mass incarceration.

0:20:03 The importance of cooperative ownership and community wealth.

0:22:39 The focus on fixing existing rental housing and community control.

0:23:55 The impact of dilapidated housing on health and the need for comprehensive planning.

0:29:30 The undervaluation of land in Black communities and market dynamics.

0:33:58 Job training for community members is essential for neighborhood improvements.

0:36:17 Utilizing creative tools like payments in lieu of taxes to lower costs.

0:38:24 Median household income for black Americans is lower than other racialized groups.

0:39:00 Community conversation on February 26 to discuss the comprehensive plan.

0:41:16 Demonstrating proof of concept and seeking broad support for the plan.

0:43:29 Rejecting the notion that black people cannot control their own destiny.

0:46:16 Invitation to join the conversation at the Jacob School of Medicine.

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