South Phoenix Oral History Project

South Phoenix Oral History Project

An oral history podcast. Coming Soon, Season 3: Join us as we research, write, and submit an academic article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Season 2: Daily advice and prompts for students and practitioners of Oral History. Season 1: Daily blog and interview series of teachers and students in the COVID19 era. Brought to you by the South Phoenix Oral History Project at South Mountain Community College. Formerly the More and More Every Day Podcast. Contact us: https://southphoenixoralhistory.com/historysouthmountain@gmail.com@SMCC History (Twitter/Insta) read less
EducationEducation

Episodes

3.9 "Reading Places of Their Own"
Nov 7 2023
3.9 "Reading Places of Their Own"
Welcome back to the "South Phoenix Oral History Project" after a rejuvenating summer break! In Episode 9, your hosts Summer and Ele kickstart the season with an enlightening discussion about Andrew Wiese's groundbreaking work, "Places of Their Own: African American Suburbanization in the Twentieth Century."The cozy image of suburbia often doesn't conjure associations with African-American communities. However, Wiese's pioneering research challenges this notion, revealing a century-long history of black residents in the suburbs, a population that has nearly doubled to nearly twelve million in recent decades. "Places of Their Own" takes us back a hundred years, painting a vivid picture of the conditions early black residents faced in isolated, impoverished suburbs. Wiese, however, argues that they chose this path, actively reshaping the suburban landscape to meet their unique needs despite enduring racism and poverty.Summer masterfully unpacks Wiese's argument, highlighting key points from different eras. Beginning with the 1950s, Wiese draws a striking contrast between black suburbanization in the North and South. He explores how African Americans in the South negotiated for separate areas to establish their own neighborhoods, while their northern counterparts often crossed racial boundaries by settling in historically white communities. Discover insights into the complex history of African American suburbanization, and gain valuable tips on using seminal works like "Places of Their Own" to enrich your research endeavors.Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the evolution of suburban landscapes, this episode promises to ignite your intellectual curiosity. Tune in and embark on a journey through the past, present, and future of African-American suburbanization, guided by the insightful commentary of your hosts.Music:  Season 3 music is provided by Susanna Velarde Covarrubias. Book's Reference: Wiese, Andrew. Places of Their Own: African American Suburbanization in the Twentieth Century. University of Chicago Press, 2004. Chicago Scholarship Online, 2013. https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226896267.001.0001.