Black Community Sociology

High school mass shootings and the historical oppression of Blacks in America share the commonality of “subaltern peoples” within the affected communities. The notion of subaltern people, literally meaning subordinate, or the “designation of populations which are socially, politically, and geographically outside the hegemonic power structure” reflects upon the “ideologies of difference”. Historically, Blacks faced injustices, due to their differing skin color of elite Whites, from slavery and discrimination to the social and political racial inequalities of today. Similarly, adults control high school students, due to their youthfulness, which excludes them from making well informed decisions of their own (i.e. the inability to vote until

In other words, power structures need to shift for the “inclusive” project to work. Although, White activist of inclusive community food projects work with good intentions of creating the participation of the Black community, it hinders upon the ability of Blacks to become involved. Since, “race is embedded in space”, Blacks do not feel comfortable taking part in a food project with the majority of members being White, because of their complex relationship with farming and abuse on plantations. This is seen in the different food ogranizatins of Clean Greens (“a Black food justice organization”) and Ace of Spades (“led by white activist”) in which both groups “struggle to build participation amongst local residents”. Author, Margaret Marietta Ramirez of, The Elusive Inclusive, argues the opportunity for Clean Greens to build participation is greater than Ace of Spades. This is because the group addresses the inequalities in space to grow food and the Black “viscosity”, or “the state of being thick” attracts more Black members. In thus, once Ace of Spades “takes a step back, and listens” to the Black community, then an inclusive community food project is possible. In short, when the dominant power structures step aside and allow the suppressed community to make space for themselves, then positive change

Often times, outsiders with good intentions of helping a community, are best suited by allowing space for the community to help themselves. It begs the question, however, of the role of the planner in such situations? Is there a positive role for planners in oppressed communities, or is their presence doing more harm? Is it effective to tell a community to help themselves, especially if they are unwilling or lack the skills? In sum, a willing community to make change means the dominant power structures need to take a back seat for successful