Who are African American Planners?
African American plannersare professionals who specialize in the planning and development of communities that are predominantly African American.
Editor’s Notes: African American planners are important because they play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of African American communities are met. They work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities where all residents can thrive.
After doing some analysis, digging through information, and putting together this African American planner guide, we hope to help you make the right decision for your community.
Key Differences:
| Characteristic | African American Planners | Other Planners |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | African American communities | All communities |
| Expertise | African American culture and history | General planning principles |
| Goal | Create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans | Create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for all |
Main Article Topics:
- The history of African American planning
- The challenges facing African American planners
- The role of African American planners in community development
- The future of African American planning
1. Community Development
Community development is a key component of African American planning. African American planners work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. This involves working on a variety of projects, from large-scale community development initiatives to small-scale neighborhood improvement projects. African American planners work with a variety of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, community organizations, and government agencies.
One of the most important aspects of community development is community engagement. African American planners believe that it is essential to involve residents in the planning process. This ensures that the community’s needs are met and that the community has a sense of ownership over the planning process. African American planners also work to empower residents so that they can participate in the decision-making process and create change in their communities.
African American planners play a vital role in community development. They work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. Their work is essential to the well-being of African American communities and to the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable society.
| Challenges | Practical Applications |
|---|---|
| Lack of funding | Community gardens |
| Lack of access to resources | After-school programs |
| Discrimination | Job training programs |
| Gentrification | Affordable housing |
2. Economic Development
Economic development is a key component of African American planning. African American planners work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. This involves working on a variety of projects, from large-scale community development initiatives to small-scale neighborhood improvement projects. African American planners work with a variety of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, community organizations, and government agencies.
- Business Development
African American planners work to support the development of businesses in African American communities. This includes providing technical assistance to businesses, helping them to access capital, and promoting entrepreneurship. - Job Creation
African American planners work to create jobs in African American communities. This includes working with businesses to create new jobs and helping residents to develop the skills they need to get good jobs. - Affordable Housing
African American planners work to ensure that African Americans have access to affordable housing. This includes working with developers to create affordable housing units and helping residents to access financial assistance for housing. - Community Wealth Building
African American planners work to build wealth in African American communities. This includes working with residents to develop financial literacy programs and helping them to access financial services.
These are just a few of the ways that African American planners work to promote economic development in African American communities. Their work is essential to the well-being of African American communities and to the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable society.
3. Environmental Justice
Environmental justice is the fair and equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. For African American planners, environmental justice is a key component of their work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans.
- Unequal Distribution of Environmental Burdens
African Americans are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, such as air pollution, water pollution, and toxic waste. This is due to a number of factors, including historical redlining, which created segregated neighborhoods that were often located near industrial areas and landfills. African American planners work to address this inequality by advocating for policies that reduce pollution and protect the health of African American communities. - Lack of Access to Environmental Benefits
African Americans also have less access to environmental benefits, such as parks, green space, and clean water. This is due to a number of factors, including poverty and discrimination. African American planners work to address this inequality by advocating for policies that increase access to environmental benefits for all residents. - Climate Change
Climate change is a major threat to African American communities. African Americans are more likely to live in areas that are vulnerable to climate change, such as coastal areas and floodplains. African American planners work to address climate change by advocating for policies that reduce greenhous
e gas emissions and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change. - Community Engagement
African American planners believe that it is essential to involve residents in the environmental justice planning process. This ensures that the community’s needs are met and that the community has a sense of ownership over the planning process. African American planners also work to empower residents so that they can participate in the decision-making process and create change in their communities.
African American planners play a vital role in promoting environmental justice in African American communities. Their work is essential to the well-being of African American communities and to the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable society.
4. Health and Human Services
Health and human services are essential components of African American planning. African American planners work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. This involves working on a variety of projects, from large-scale community development initiatives to small-scale neighborhood improvement projects. African American planners work with a variety of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, community organizations, and government agencies.
One of the most important aspects of health and human services is access to affordable and quality healthcare. African Americans are more likely to experience health disparities than other racial groups. This is due to a number of factors, including poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare.
African American planners work to address these disparities by advocating for policies that increase access to healthcare for African Americans. They also work to improve the quality of healthcare for African Americans by working with healthcare providers to develop culturally competent care.
In addition to healthcare, African American planners also work on a variety of other health and human services issues, such as:
- Mental health
- Substance abuse
- HIV/AIDS
- Domestic violence
- Child welfare
- Elder care
African American planners play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of African American communities. Their work is essential to the well-being of African American communities and to the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable society.
| Challenge | Practical Application |
|---|---|
| Lack of access to healthcare | Community health centers |
| Health disparities | Culturally competent care |
| Mental health | Mental health services |
| Substance abuse | Substance abuse treatment programs |
| HIV/AIDS | HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs |
| Domestic violence | Domestic violence shelters and services |
| Child welfare | Foster care and adoption services |
| Elder care | Elder care services |
5. Housing
Housing is a key component of African American planning. African American planners work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. This involves working on a variety of housing issues, including:
- Affordable Housing
- Homeownership
- Fair Housing
- Community Development
One of the most important aspects of housing is access to affordable housing. African Americans are more likely to experience housing insecurity than other racial groups. This is due to a number of factors, including poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to credit.
African American planners work to address these disparities by advocating for policies that increase access to affordable housing for African Americans. They also work to improve the quality of housing for African Americans by working with developers to create new affordable housing units and by working with homeowners to improve their existing homes.
In addition to affordable housing, African American planners also work on a variety of other housing issues, such as:
- Homeownership: African American planners work to increase homeownership rates among African Americans. This involves working with first-time homebuyers to help them get the financing they need and working with homeowners to help them stay in their homes.
- Fair Housing: African American planners work to eliminate housing discrimination. This involves working with fair housing organizations to investigate and prosecute cases of housing discrimination and working with landlords and real estate agents to promote fair housing practices.
- Community Development: African American planners work to improve the quality of life in African American communities. This involves working on a variety of community development projects, such as building new parks, improving schools, and creating job opportunities.
African American planners play a vital role in improving the housing conditions of African Americans. Their work is essential to the well-being of African American communities and to the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable society.
| Challenge | Practical Application |
|---|---|
| Lack of affordable housing | Community land trusts |
| Housing discrimination | Fair housing testing |
| Lack of homeownership | Down payment assistance programs |
| Poor housing quality | Rehabilitation programs |
| Gentrification | Anti-displacement policies |
6. Land Use Planning
Land use planning is a critical component of African American planning. African American planners use land use planning to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. This involves making decisions about how land is used, such as where to build homes, businesses, and parks.
One of the most important aspects of land use planning is community engagement. African American planners believe that it is essential to involve residents in the planning process. This ensures that the community’s needs are met and that the community has a sense of ownership over the planning process. African American planners also work to empower residents so that they can participate in the decision-making process and create change in their communities.
African American planners have a unique perspective on land use planning. They understand the challenges that African American communities face, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. African American planners use their knowledge and expertise to create land use plans that address these challenges and create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African American
s.
Here are some examples of how African American planners have used land use planning to create positive change in African American communities:
- In Atlanta, Georgia, African American planners worked with the city to create a land use plan that included the development of affordable housing, new parks, and job training programs. This plan has helped to revitalize the city’s African American communities and improve the quality of life for residents.
- In Chicago, Illinois, African American planners worked with the city to create a land use plan that included the development of a new community center, a health clinic, and a grocery store in a food desert. This plan has helped to improve the health and well-being of residents in the community.
- In New Orleans, Louisiana, African American planners worked with the city to create a land use plan that included the development of new green spaces, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways. This plan has helped to make the city more walkable and bikeable, and has improved the quality of life for residents.
These are just a few examples of how African American planners are using land use planning to create positive change in African American communities. African American planners are committed to creating healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for all African Americans. Their work is essential to the well-being of African American communities and to the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable society.
| Challenge | Practical Application |
|---|---|
| Lack of affordable housing | Inclusionary zoning |
| Lack of access to healthy food | Community gardens |
| Lack of green space | Park development |
| Lack of transportation options | Transit-oriented development |
| Environmental degradation | Brownfield redevelopment |
7. Transportation Planning
Transportation planning is a critical component of African American planning. African American planners use transportation planning to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. This involves making decisions about how transportation systems are planned, funded, and operated.
- Accessibility
Transportation planning can improve accessibility to jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services for African Americans. For example, African American planners have worked to increase the number of bus routes in low-income African American neighborhoods and to make public transportation more affordable. - Mobility
Transportation planning can improve mobility for African Americans by making it easier for them to get around their communities. For example, African American planners have worked to create new bike lanes and pedestrian walkways in African American neighborhoods. - Safety
Transportation planning can improve safety for African Americans by making streets and roads safer for walking and biking. For example, African American planners have worked to install new streetlights and crosswalks in African American neighborhoods. - Environmental Justice
Transportation planning can promote environmental justice by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in African American communities. For example, African American planners have worked to promote the use of electric vehicles and to make public transportation more accessible.
These are just a few examples of how African American planners are using transportation planning to create positive change in African American communities. African American planners are committed to creating healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for all African Americans. Their work is essential to the well-being of African American communities and to the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable society.
8. Urban Design
Urban design is an important component of African American planning. African American planners use urban design to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. Urban design involves the planning and design of the physical environment, including streets, buildings, parks, and other public spaces.
One of the most important aspects of urban design is community engagement. African American planners believe that it is essential to involve residents in the planning process. This ensures that the community’s needs are met and that the community has a sense of ownership over the planning process. African American planners also work to empower residents so that they can participate in the decision-making process and create change in their communities.
African American planners have a unique perspective on urban design. They understand the challenges that African American communities face, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. African American planners use their knowledge and expertise to create urban designs that address these challenges and create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans.
Here are some examples of how African American planners have used urban design to create positive change in African American communities:
- In Atlanta, Georgia, African American planners worked with the city to create a new master plan for the city’s downtown area. The plan included the development of new affordable housing, parks, and green spaces. The plan has helped to revitalize the city’s downtown area and improve the quality of life for residents.
- In Chicago, Illinois, African American planners worked with the city to create a new urban design plan for the city’s South Side. The plan included the development of new schools, libraries, and community centers. The plan has helped to improve the quality of life for residents in the South Side and has made the area more attractive to businesses and investors.
- In New Orleans, Louisiana, African American planners worked with the city to create a new urban design plan for the city’s Lower Ninth Ward. The plan included the development of new housing, businesses, and parks. The plan has helped to revitalize the Lower Ninth Ward and improve the quality of life for residents.
These are just a few examples of how African American planners are using urban design to create positive change in African American communities. African American planners are committed to creating healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for all African Americans. Their work is essential to the well-being of African American communities and to the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable society.
| Challenge | Practical Application |
|---|---|
| Lack of affordable housing | Inclusionary zoning |
| Lack of access to healthy food | Community gardens |
| Lack of green space | Park development |
| Lack of transportation options | Transit-oriented development |
| Environmental degradation | Brownfield redevelopment |
9. Zoning
Zoning is a crucial component of African American planning. African American planners use zoning to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. Zoning involves dividing a city or town into different districts, each with its own set of land use regulations. These regulations determine what types of uses are allowed in each district, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural.
Zoning can be a powerful tool for African American planners to address the challenges facing African American communities. For example, zoning can be used to:
- Promote affordable housing: African American planners can use zoning to require developers to build a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new developments. This can help to ensure that African Americans have access to affordable housing in desirable neighborhoods.
- Prevent displacement: African American planners can use zoning to prevent the displacement of African Americans from their communities. For example, zoning can be used to limit the development of luxury apartments or condos in low-income African American neighborhoods.
- Promote economic development: African American planners can use zoning to promote economic development in African American communities. For example, zoning can be used to create new business districts or to attract new businesses to existing African American communities.
Zoning is a complex and challenging tool, but it can be a powerful force for good in African American communities. African American planners are using zoning to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans.
| Challenge | Practical Application |
|---|---|
| Lack of affordable housing | Inclusionary zoning |
| Displacement | Anti-displacement zoning |
| Lack of economic development | Commercial zoning |
10. Historic Preservation and African American Planners
Historic preservation is an important component of African American planning. African American planners use historic preservation to protect and revitalize the cultural heritage of African American communities. This involves identifying, documenting, and preserving historic buildings, sites, and landscapes that are significant to African American history and culture.
Historic preservation is important for African American communities because it helps to preserve their cultural identity and sense of place. It also helps to promote economic development and tourism. For example, the preservation of the African American Civil War Museum in Washington, D.C. has helped to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood and attract new businesses and residents.
African American planners play a vital role in historic preservation. They work with community members, historians, and architects to identify and preserve historic buildings, sites, and landscapes. They also work to develop policies and programs that support historic preservation in African American communities.
There are a number of challenges to historic preservation in African American communities. One challenge is that many historic buildings and sites have been demolished or neglected. Another challenge is that African American communities often lack the resources to preserve their historic resources.
Despite these challenges, African American planners are committed to preserving the cultural heritage of African American communities. They are working to develop new policies and programs that support historic preservation and to raise awareness of the importance of historic preservation in African American communities.
| Challenge | Practical Application |
|---|---|
| Lack of funding | Community development grants |
| Lack of technical assistance | Partnerships with preservation organizations |
| Lack of community awareness | Public education campaigns |
FAQs About African American Planners
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about African American planners.
Question 1: What is an African American planner?
African American planners are professionals who specialize in the planning and development of communities that are predominantly African American. They work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities where all residents can thrive.
Question 2: What are the benefits of hiring an African American planner?
African American planners bring a unique perspective and expertise to the planning process. They understand the challenges facing African American communities and are committed to creating solutions that address those challenges.
Question 3: What are some of the challenges facing African American planners?
African American planners face a number of challenges, including a lack of funding, a lack of technical assistance, and a lack of community awareness.
Question 4: How can I become an African American planner?
There are a number of ways to become an African American planner. One way is to earn a degree in planning from an accredited planning program. Another way is to gain experience working in community development or related fields.
Question 5: What are some of the most important issues facing African American communities?
Some of the most important issues facing African American communities include poverty, unemployment, crime, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare.
Question 6: What can be done to address the challenges facing African American communities?
There are a number of things that can be done to address the challenges facing African American communities. One important step is to invest in community development programs and initiatives. Another important step is to support policies that promote economic equality and social justice.
Summary:African American planners play a vital role in creating healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans. They work to address the challenges facing African American communities and to promote economic development and social justice.
Transition to the next article section:The next section of this article will discuss the history of African American planning.
Tips from African American Planners
African American planners have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Here are a few tips from African American planners:
Tip 1: Engage the community early and often.
Community engagement is essential for successful planning. African American planners believe that it is important to involve residents in the planning process from the very beginning. This ensures that the community’s needs are met and that the community has a sense of ownership over the planning process.
Tip 2: Be culturally sensitive.
African American planners understand the importance of being culturally sensitive. They take into account the unique needs a
nd perspectives of African American communities when developing plans.
Tip 3: Focus on equity.
African American planners are committed to creating equitable communities. They work to ensure that all residents have access to the same opportunities and resources.
Tip 4: Be creative and innovative.
African American planners are often faced with challenges that require creative and innovative solutions. They are always looking for new ways to improve the lives of African Americans.
Tip 5: Be persistent.
Creating change takes time and effort. African American planners are persistent in their work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for African Americans.
Summary: African American planners have a unique perspective and expertise to offer. By following these tips, you can create more inclusive and equitable communities for all.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: African American planners are essential to the well-being of African American communities. Their work is helping to create a more just and equitable society for all.
Conclusion
African American planners are essential to the well-being of African American communities. They work to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities where all residents can thrive. Their work is helping to create a more just and equitable society for all.
African American planners face a number of challenges in their work, but they are committed to making a difference in the lives of African Americans. They are creative, innovative, and persistent in their work to create positive change. African American planners are an asset to their communities and to the planning profession.
