How have conditions changed since 1970 in neighborhoods where Black residents are the largest racial or ethnic group? Mike Lens wrote a whole book on the subject: Where the Hood At? Fifty Years of Change in Black Neighborhoods. He takes the guest mic to share what he learned.

Book summary: Substantial gaps exist between Black Americans and other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., most glaringly Whites, across virtually all quality-of-life indicators. Despite strong evidence that neighborhood residence affects life outcomes, we lack a comprehensive picture of Black neighborhood conditions and how they have changed over time. In Where the Hood At? urban planning and public policy scholar Michael C. Lens examines the characteristics and trajectories of Black neighborhoods across the U.S. over the fifty years since the Fair Housing Act.

Show notes:

• Lens, M. C. (2024). Where the Hood At? Fifty Years of Change in Black Neighborhoods. Russell Sage Foundation.
• Website for Lisa Belkin’s book about public housing integration in Yonkers, NY, Show Me a Hero.
• IMDb page for the Show Me a Hero tv miniseries on HBO.
• Million Dollar Hoods website.
• Episode 52 of UCLA Housing Voice: Community Land Trusts with Annette Kim.
• Episode 40 of UCLA Housing Voice: Valuing Black Lives and Housing with Andre Perry.