Residential Patterns and the Beginning of Systemic Racism
Blacks were interspersed among whites throughout the city, free Blacks tended to live in small enclaves reflecting segregation along racial and economic lines. Slaves were often hired out to others and could "live out" in areas of the city with families of free Blacks as well as white laborers.
Free Blacks were clustered around the city, generally occupying the cheaper tracts of land beyond the city limits, "the less desirable bottomland closer to downtown, and especially the narrow streets that bordered the railroad related industries." In areas where there was economic advancement, black leaders and middle class grew and so would churches, schools, and substantial homes. "By the 1890's, 50% of the population was Black and mature and solidly segregated neighborhoods nearly encircled the city. White attitudes were considered 'racial claustrophobia', feeling that the city was under siege by displaced Blacks.
The institutions that grew depended on the Black community for their...
Recent Posts
Raleigh Black Historian
Carmen Wimberley Cauthen
Author
Born at St. Agnes Hospital on the grounds of St. Augustine's College (now University) to a pharmacist and educator who were family fierce and community proud, I have heard, read, and researched Raleigh's Black history for most of my life. Join me here. I'll share what I have learned with you!
