Resources
This page will have new links and content as it is available.
RJRG Engagement
Want to see examples of RJRG’s engagement? Check out these links.
Learning Nashville’s History
Before jumping to solutions we must learn more about the decisions and events leading up to today.
Interstate Impacts on Communities of Color
Learn the history of how interstate planning and construction devastated communities of color.
“A” - Attainable & Affordable Housing
Learn more about the factors related to attainable and affordable housing in communities.
“B” - Black Business Development & Retention
Learn more about the various elements of a wholistic approach when working toward the flourishing of black businesses.
“C” - Community Compassion
Learn more about the opportunities for collaboration and participation that keeps community members in the center of decisions and plans being made that affect them.
RJRG Engagement
Capping a Highway to (Re)Connect Historic Nashville Jefferson Street Neighborhoods - National League of Cities article summarizing the proposed CAP project and the potential impact and effects (May 2021)
February 2022 RJRG Proposal to Mayor Cooper - the RJRG presented a proposal to Mayor Cooper during a community meeting in response to the initial CAP project proposed by the mayor. This proposal was to expand the initial proposal in order to better achieve the desired results.
March 2022 WPLN report about the proposed CAP project, RJRG response - Nashville news story about the RJRG’s concerns with the Mayors proposal and the potential impacts.
W.E.L.L. Wednesdays: Housing Disparities in Bordeaux - May 2022 presentation at Koininia Church by RJRG co-organizer Pastor Ronnie Mitchell. Includes specific examples of housing disparities as well as a time of Q&A (54 minute YouTube video)
Learning Nashville’s History - Jefferson Street, North Nashville
Mapping the Destruction of TN’s African American Neighborhoods - Interactive Map comparing 1947 and present day; Click on “Nashville-Jefferson Street” to read background and explore the mapping tool to compare the 1947 streets and businesses before the 1956 Federal Aid Highway Act and I-40 construction.
Out North documentary short film - produced by Fiverr, introducing some of the passionate locals working to bring change in their 37208 community; Brief overview from Vox.
Facing North: Jefferson Street, Nashville - NPT/PBS documentary (~1 hr) - this film explores the legacy of the Jefferson Street corridor, a historically Black neighborhood with three HCBUs and a large cultural footprint in civil rights, the arts and medicine. Like many African American centers, this one was forever changed by interstate construction and now struggles to balance rejuvenation with gentrification.
Interstate Impacts on Communities of Color
Vanderbilt Law Review Article: White Men’s Roads Through Black Men’s Homes: Advancing Racial Equity Through Highway Reconstruction - PDF from Oct 2020 (Vol 73, No 5); Written by Deborah N. Archer, this is the first in the legal literature to explore in depth the racial equity concerns and opportunities raised by modern highway redevelopment. It also builds on the work of legal scholars who advocate for addressing systemic racial inequality.
Bloomberg visualization article What It Looks Like to Reconnect Black Communities Torn Apart by Highways - from July 2021, with overlaid mapping and graphics highlighting cities like St. Paul, Miami, New Orleans, and more.
Catalyst article How the U.S. Government Destroyed Black Neighborhoods - from April 2020
On Point audio episode Addressing The Racial Inequities Of The Interstate Highway System - from WBUR, interviewing Deborah Archer (~47 minutes)
More information about the Reconnecting Communities Program (USDOT)
“A” - Attainable & Affordable Housing
Nashvilles’ Affordable Housing Crisis - March 2022 Cover Story from Nashville Scene - how current activists, developers and city leaders are trying to tackle the affordable housing crisis in Nashville; highlights RJRG member Rev. Alisha Haddock
NOAH’s Affordable Housing Task Force - Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH) is a faith led coalition that is multi-racial and interdenominational comprised of congregations, community organizations, and labor unions that work to give voice to traditionally marginalized people. Affordable Housing is one of their key focus areas.
Stand Up Nashville - actively engaged in forming Community Benefits Agreements including affordable housing with major development projects. Their mission: To mobilize and empower our communities to stand up and take action. Together we will create lasting change for the racial and economic good of all people in our city.
“B” - Black Business Development & Retention
Nashville Black Business Directory - a sample of the businesses that have been founded by graduates of The Academy of Corner to Corner, based on the mindset of “Start small, start now”. Search by business categories.
How Nashville Nonprofit Big Table Is Serving Those Who Serve Others - Tennessean article about some of the challenges facing hospitality workers and small businesses (July 2022)
“C” - Community Compassion
Rebuilding Together Nashville - nonprofit focused on the Bordeaux area that restores, rebuilds and performs essential repairs at homes of area residents.
“Reconnecting Communities” Program (USDOT)
How Will Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Work
Infrastructure Bill, Part Two: Connecting Communities
New Approaches to the Future of Urban Highways: https://www.samschwartz.com/staff-reflections/2022/1/13/new-approaches-to-the-future-of-urban-highways