Book Talk: Where the Hood At? Black Neighborhoods Since the Civil Rights Era

Join author Michael C. Lens for an engaging Book Talk on his latest work, Where the Hood At? Black Neighborhoods Since the Civil Rights Era, a compelling exploration of Black neighborhood conditions and their evolution over the past fifty years. Lens, a UCLA professor in urban planning and public policy, delves into the social and economic transformations of Black communities across the U.S. Using hip hop’s growth as a cultural lens, he highlights the slow, uneven progress in these neighborhoods, with Southern cities like Washington D.C. and Atlanta thriving, while many in the Midwest struggle. This talk will unpack critical insights into how factors like unemployment, income inequality, and regional policy shape the quality of life for Black Americans.

In Where the Hood At?, Lens contends that Black neighborhoods reveal some of America’s greatest policy shortcomings. He will discuss his proposed strategies for revitalizing these communities, including incentives for Black migration back to the South, strategic economic investments in struggling areas, and an increase in affordable housing in Black suburbs. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of how location and policy impact Black neighborhoods and will be encouraged to engage in meaningful discussions on potential paths forward. This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in urban planning, social justice, and the future of equitable community development.