Constructing African American Urban Space in Atlanta, Georgia

• Published in: Geographical review Vol. 101; no. 2; pp. 147 - 163
• Main Author: INWOOD, JOSHUA F. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Taylor & Francis 01.04.2011; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; American Geographical Society; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Academic libraries; African American culture; African American studies; African Americans; America; Atlanta; Bgi / Prodig; Black communities; black counterpublic; City planning; Communities; Demographic aspects; East south Central; Georgia (U.S.A.); Historic buildings & sites; Identity; Leadership; Life insurance companies; Place; Political identity; Public spaces; Qualitative research; racialization; Racism; Redevelopment; Segregation; Social aspects; Social construction; Society; Spirituality; United States of America; Urban development; Urban identity; Urban planning; Urban renewal; Urban space; Atlanta; United States of America; Georgia (USA); United States; Middle class; Public space; Urban renewal; Neighbourhood; Urban area; Social exclusion; Housing; Social geography; Racism
• ISSN: 0016-7428; 1931-0846
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1931-0846.2011.00084.x

Recognizing the connections between the construction of urban space and racial identity, this article explores an urban redevelopment scheme launched in 2004 by Big Bethel ame Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Known as the "Renaissance Walk," Big Bethel's project is a $45 million dollar redevelopment plan to turn an adjacent city block into a mixed-use development. By looking at the racialization of place from the perspective of those who live, work, and organize along Auburn Avenue, one of the most historically significant African American business corridors in the United States, I contend that Big Bethel's redevelopment project is emblematic of contemporary black counterpublic spaces and links the redevelopment project undertaken by Big Bethel with African American identity positions.