White Flight Americans
- Shelley Whitehead (Iowa State University)
Abstract
This session provides a comprehensive look at the historical and economic implications of "white flight." The term "white flight" stems from when African Americans move into a predominantly white neighborhood and the white inhabitants of that neighborhood move to another neighborhood. The presentation will highlight the history of "white flight" through video clips analyzing the housing laws and contracts put into place at that time. Participants will explore the economic implications this has on society by addressing the state of the neighborhoods and schools after "white flight" and how cities are being racially segregated by economics. This session offers a historical perspective of this epidemic and a chance to offer suggestions for improving these poverty-stricken neighborhoods.