This past weekend, I went with my son and daughter to see an exhibition at the Oakland Museum of California exploring the 50th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party. Near the entrance was something I had never seen before:
It is an original map (from 1933) of redlining illustrated. It was explained by these two small narratives:
I had seen replications and I have heard many people talk about these maps.
It was fascinating, sad, and satisfying to see them presented as a framing statement about the Black Panther Party. Alongside the redlining display the museum led you to a series of architectural displays illustrating community qualities that were lost in 1950s and 1960s redevelopment in Oakland. A nice touch.
It made me wonder whether anyone else has given serious thought to the need for historical documentation of the community development movement in the U.S. Is it addressed at the new National Museum of African American History and Culture? How about at The National Museum of the American Indian?
I would love to hear about exhibits or documentation you have seen.