ROOT SHOCK: The Conversation Continues

Could Asheville Become a National Model for SOCIALLY Sustainable Communities?

by Karen Loughmiller

Sparked by Twilight of a Neighborhood, the Pack Library exhibit of Andrea Clark’s East End photographs, and the YMI’s That’s Me exhibit, local interest has been building in the impact of urban renewal and urban development on neighborhood communities. The conversation will continue with a community forum, “Learning the Lessons of ROOT SHOCK: Building Better Neighborhoods for Us All,” on Sunday, April 19, at 2:30 p.m., in Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech.

Scholars, community historians, and city planners across the country
are re-examining urban renewal and its often damaging consequences.
Foremost among these researchers is psychiatrist Mindy T. Fullilove,
M.D., of Columbia University, author of ROOT SHOCK: How Tearing Up City
Neighborhoods Hurts America and What We Can Do About It.

During her recent visit to Asheville, Dr. Fullilove noted the
strong local interest in a socially sustainable urban environment and
suggested that Asheville could become a national model for successful
ways to address past root shock events and avoid such events in the
future. When asked how Asheville might begin such a process, Dr.
Fullilove said, “You need to talk to each other about this – a lot!”

Led by Dr. Dwight Mullen (UNCA), the April 19 forum offers a
chance to do just that. If you know about, or are interested in urban
renewal and development in Asheville’s Southside, East End, and Burton
St. neighborhoods, or if you live in a public housing project such as
Lee-Walker Heights or Pisgah View (which might become HOPE VI
projects), your participation is vital. Your experiences, insights, and
ideas for a future-ready, socially-sustainable Asheville can benefit
our community.

The program is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by
the Center for Diversity Education, the NC Humanities Council, Buncombe
County Public Libraries Trust Fund, the Stephens-Lee Alumni
Association, and The Urban News. It will be filmed for Channel 16, AET.
Call (828) 250-4750 for more information.