EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Black communities need to be central to inner city urban regeneration efforts

Black communities need to be central to inner city urban regeneration efforts

Introduction

In cities all over the world, black people have created their own urban worlds. Often these 'urbanisms' are thought of in the context of ghettos, instead of as thriving and vibrant communities. According to Paul Goodwin, author of the 'manifesto for black urbanism', this attitude should be changed. He claims that black communities have contributed a lot to the current vibrancy of (British) cities. Therefore he says, these communities need to be central to inner city urban regeneration efforts.

Description

The relationship between blackness and urbanity or urbanism is made up of many paradoxes and contradictions. According to Paul Goodwin, urban blackness has been historically produced between two main signs. On the one hand, it is seen as a "redeeming factor and a potential source of spritual renewal of a decrepit and decaying white civilisation". On the other hand, "blackness is often interpreted as a sign of deprivation and decay." With his manifesto, Paul Goodwin aims to create a discourse and practice of black urbanism that goes beyond this limited understanding of the black urban experience. He states that black urban communities should be seen as active creators, innovators and authors of the city building process, and not simply as passive victims of urban decay.

In order to explore the issue of black urbanism further, Goodwin set up a research initiative at the Centre for Urban and Community Research. The project examins the impact, contribution and engagement of black and minority ethnic communities with contemporary urbanism.

Contact info

Centre for Urban & Community Research, Goldsmiths, University of London
Phone: +44 (0)20 7919 7390
Fax: +44 (0)20 7919 7383
cucr@gold.ac.uk
Paul Goodwin (Research Associate)

Publication date

/11/2007

Article info
Author: Paul Goodwin
Organisation: Centre for Urban & Community Research

Links

For more information, please visit the website of the Centre for Urban & Community Research Read a recent interview with Paul Goodwin on the 'Archinect' website

Download the Manifesto for Black Urbanism (PDF, Eng, 175 kB)

Document type

policy

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords

Urban environment