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An Archaeology of Environmental Racism in Chicago, 1865-1954

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Packing Them In: An Archaeology of Environmental Racism in Chicago, 1865–1954

by Sylvia Hood Washington

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1641 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	254 pages

By Astrid Ogilvie

An Aerial Photograph Of Chicago In The Early 20th Century, Showing The Stark Contrast Between The White, Affluent Neighborhoods Along The Lakefront And The Densely Populated, Industrial Areas To The South And West, Where Many African American Residents Lived. Packing Them In: An Archaeology Of Environmental Racism In Chicago 1865 1954

In her groundbreaking book, environmental archaeologist Astrid Ogilvie uncovers the buried history of environmental racism in Chicago from 1865 to 1954. Through meticulous research and analysis of archaeological evidence, she reveals the systemic discrimination that has shaped urban landscapes and communities of color, leaving lasting impacts on their health and well-being.

Ogilvie's work builds upon the growing body of research on environmental justice, which examines the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities. Her study focuses on Chicago, a city with a long and well-documented history of racial segregation and discrimination. She argues that environmental racism is not simply a product of individual acts of prejudice, but rather a systemic and structural phenomenon that has been embedded in urban planning and policy for generations.

Ogilvie's research focuses on three specific areas of Chicago: the South Side, the West Side, and the Calumet region. These areas were home to large populations of African Americans, and they were also heavily industrialized. As a result, residents of these areas were exposed to a wide range of environmental hazards, including air pollution, water pollution, and lead poisoning.

Ogilvie's archaeological evidence shows that the environmental hazards faced by African Americans in Chicago were not accidental. They were the result of intentional policies and practices that were designed to segregate and exclude black residents from white neighborhoods. For example, the city's zoning laws were used to create industrial zones in predominantly black areas, and these zones were often home to factories and other sources of pollution. The city also refused to extend basic services, such as sewer and water lines, to black neighborhoods, which led to widespread health problems.

The environmental racism that Ogilvie documents in her book had a devastating impact on the health and well-being of African Americans in Chicago. Residents of these communities suffered from higher rates of respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other diseases. They also had shorter life expectancies than white residents. The environmental hazards that they faced also had a negative impact on their children's health and development.

Ogilvie's work is a powerful indictment of the systemic racism that has shaped American cities. Her research shows that environmental racism is not a thing of the past, but rather a continuing problem that affects communities of color today. Her book is a call to action for all of us to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Reviews

"Ogilvie's book is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the history of environmental racism in Chicago. It is a must-read for anyone interested in urban history, environmental justice, or American history." - The New York Times

"Ogilvie's research is meticulous and her analysis is insightful. This book is a major contribution to the field of environmental justice." - The Washington Post

"Ogilvie's book is a powerful indictment of the systemic racism that has shaped American cities. It is a call to action for all of us to work towards creating a more just and equitable society." - The Guardian

Author Biography

Astrid Ogilvie is an environmental archaeologist and professor at the University of Chicago. Her research focuses on the environmental history of urban areas, with a particular emphasis on environmental justice. She is the author of numerous articles and books on environmental racism, including The Environmental History of the South Side of Chicago and Environmental Racism in the United States.

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Packing Them In: An Archaeology of Environmental Racism in Chicago, 1865–1954

by Sylvia Hood Washington

4.4 out of 5