On a recent afternoon, Priscilla Figueroa played the melancholy song “Solamente Una Vez” on her piano at home. As the music filled the dining room, old photo albums showcased the life that once thrived in Russell City, a town where Figueroa was married many decades ago. However, Russell City no longer exists, as it was annexed and demolished by neighboring Hayward in 1964 to make way for an industrial park. More than 1,400 people were displaced during this time. Now, nearly 60 years later, Russell City has become the focal point of the movement to provide reparations to Black communities in the Bay Area. Alameda County recently issued an apology for its role in the community’s destruction, following a similar apology from the city of Hayward in 2021. Various local, state, and county task forces are currently working to determine how to make amends for the damage caused. Figueroa is a member of the Russell City Reparative Justice Steering Committee, which is chaired by Aisha Knowles. For Knowles, who grew up hearing about Russell City from her father, the movement to make amends brings about a mix of emotions including joy, frustration, motivation, and sadness. The oppression faced by Black Americans lasting into the modern era is symbolized by Russell City, which became a refuge for people of color escaping housing discrimination after World War II. Despite lacking basic services, the community thrived, particularly in its vibrant music scene. However, Hayward considered Russell City “blighted” and used eminent domain to destroy it. Supervisor Elisa Márquez, a lifelong resident of Hayward, believes the apology was necessary. The events of Russell City serve as powerful evidence that systems of oppression have continued even after slavery officially ended. The state task force on reparations recently highlighted Russell City as an example of housing segregation and discrimination using eminent domain, recommending the restoration of property or other forms of compensation. Task forces in Hayward and Alameda County are also studying reparations. While there are challenges in turning apologies and recommendations into actual legislation, the actions surrounding Russell City are seen as tangible steps forward and can contribute to healing and reconciliation. The conversations about reparations often face challenges due to the scale of harm that has been done, with estimates suggesting reparations in California alone would cost over $800 billion. Nevertheless, the combination of initiatives at the state, county, and local levels shows a commitment to addressing past injustices.
The Transformation of Russell City into the Epicenter of the Movement
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