Whose City?

Race and the Urban Landscape in Selma, Alabama

Abigail Gautreau May 3, 2013 abby.gautreau@gmail.com

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A Very Short History of Selma

Originally populated by the Muscogee (Creek) First explored by the French; city founded 1732 Selma was ofcially incorporated in 1820 Became the seat of Dallas County in 1866 Economy relied on cotton & steam trafc on the river Signicant naval supply site during the Civil War Battle of Selma - April 2, 1865
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Selma in the Civil Rights Movement

Free Black Community (pre-Emancipation) Dallas County Voters League & NAACP White Citizens Council Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Southern Christian Leadership Conference Bloody Sunday/March to Montgomery School desegregation/Selma Accords

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Comprehensive Plan of the City of Selma

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Library of Congress

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http://alabamamaps.ua.edu/

Detail of Selma Sanborn Map, 1913

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chnm.gmu.edu

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Life magazine

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biography.com

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Comprehensive Plan of the City of Selma

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Selmas Historic Districts

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Comprehensive Plan of the City of Selma

Selma Historic Districts - 2013

Yellow - Ice House District (1990) Blue - Old Towne District (1978)
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Orange - Riverview District (1990) Purple - Water Ave. District (1972)

Center for Historic Preservation - MTSU

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Center for Historic Preservation - MTSU

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The View Downtown

Very typical downtown business district Intersection of Alabama Avenue & Broad Street
Abigail Gautreau

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HABS images from the Library of Congress

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http://www.city-data.com/city/Selma-Alabama.html

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How does preservation reinforce outmoded values?

Focus on aesthetics & high architecture Ethnocentrism Were taken in by the landscape

Abigail Gautreau
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So where is the city center?

In the segregated city, there are tiny city centers everywhere Look for small commercial buildings scattered in neighborhoods
Abigail Gautreau

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Abigail Gautreau
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Abigail Gautreau

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Churches: Centers of Community

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Center for Historic Preservation - MTSU

Tabernacle Baptist Church

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Abigail Gautreau

Providence Baptist Church

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Neighborhoods vary
Some retain a high degree of integrity and workmanship Locations tend to be less desirable Vacant lots are common Company housing
Abigail Gautreau

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Abigail Gautreau

Lapsley Street near R. B. Hudson School

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Abigail Gautreau

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Abigail Gautreau

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Abigail Gautreau

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What is the solution?

Community engagement and involvement Long-term commitment Giving back
Center for Historic Preservation - MTSU

Meeting at West Trinity Baptist Church

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Center for Historic Preservation - MTSU

Meeting at Providence Baptist Church

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Where does this apply?

Cities with a signicant marginalized population Implications for planning in cities with large immigrant populations Cities with a legacy of segregation/ colonialism
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Abigail Gautreau Alumni of R. B. Hudson High School May 1, 2013