19 Black Families Decide To Build Their Own Safe City, Purchase 97 Acres Of Land In Georgia
In the middle of the protests over police brutality and a pandemic, 19 black families have joined forces and purchased 96.71 acres of land in Toomsboro, Georgia. They plan to build a new, safe city there.
Ashley Scott, a Georgia-based realtor, started The Freedom Georgia Initiative with a few like-minded people.
In an op-ed for Blavity, Scott explained that the idea came after the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who was killed by a group of white men while out on a jog.
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“I am concerned. At times distraught. For the first time ever in my life, I felt disempowered. So much so that the overachieving, solution-oriented, practical, non-emotional person that I am had to stop,” Scott wrote.
“I sought counseling from a black therapist and it helped. It helped me to realize that what we as black people are suffering from is racial trauma. We are dealing with systemic racism. We are dealing with deep-rooted issues that will require more than protesting in the streets. It will take for us as a people, as Atlanta rapper and activist Killer Mike so eloquently put, ‘To plot, plan, strategize, organize and mobilize.’ So that’s what I and my good friend Renee Walters, an entrepreneur and investor, did.”
Image credits: thefreedomgeorgiainitiative
Together, they began to look for ways to change the world for the better in whatever way they could. “We wanted to make some kind of difference that could ensure the safety of our black sons and black husbands when they went about their lives just breathing and being. We wanted to do something to amass black power to affect real change.”
Image credits: thefreedomgeorgiainitiative
“We considered the reality that even in Atlanta, with an exceptional black woman like Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, there was still no respect for the humanity of blacks,” Scott continued. “Even with Erika Shields, a black woman chief of police at the helm, there was the murder of Rayshard Brooks. We can see there is something much deeper happening. Politics, as usual, isn’t the answer. Something new has to happen.”
Image credits: thefreedomgeorgiainitiative
The group joined several Facebook groups discussing building black cities and new Black Wall Streets, and it turned out there were more people who shared the same desires. “It was clear to me that developing new cities was necessary because these old ones, even with strong black leadership, have too many deep-rooted problems.”
Image credits: thefreedomgeorgiainitiative
As a realtor, Scott has been sitting in on zoning and city council meetings. “At first, I attended wanting to get a few new clients, but seeing the progress of the newly created city of Stonecrest, Georgia, inspired me.”
It motivated Scott to look more deeply into local politics and how cities are created. “My research into cityhood gave me insight that this is how we change our communities and build real black power.”
Image credits: thefreedomgeorgiainitiative
“Black power comes from wealth,” Scott explained. “Wealth is created through cash-flow and assets. Who has more cash flow and assets than governments? Where does the cash-flow come from? Taxes and bonds. Who pays taxes? Landowners. Who runs governments? People. We are the people. We have to be more involved, especially young people!”
Image credits: thefreedomgeorgiainitiative
Scott said she knows people might start wondering, ‘What in the world does all this have to do with why you all purchased land in the midst of protests and a pandemic, and how you used cooperative economics to do it?’ According to her, everything.
Image credits: thefreedomgeorgiainitiative
“We figured we could try to fix a broken system or we could start fresh. Start a city that could be a shining example of being the change you want to see. We wanted to be more involved in creating the lives we really want for our black families. And maybe, just maybe, create some generational wealth for ourselves by investing in the land. Investing in creating a community that is built around our core values and beliefs.”
Image credits: thefreedomgeorgiainitiative
The plan is to create a community with green, environmentally safe, and eco-friendly building materials that honor Mother Nature, a community that is self-sufficient and thriving with a living food system built by black farmers to provide food security for all their neighbors, a community that prioritizes diversity and inclusion by hiring BIPOC and women vendors, suppliers and contractors, a community that boasts accessible spaces for all people, finally, a community where all black folks could come home without being murdered by police.
“We made a PowerPoint presentation the day after we left the ‘Toomsboro for Sale’ open house. We called our like-minded friends and family. We impressed upon them the urgent power of now. We brought 19 families together on one accord during a series of online meetings. We started an LLC. We considered a field and we bought it. We bought 96.71 acres of land!”
Here’s what people said about their idea
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Share on FacebookSure, but if you've been affected by this inequality for generations, lofty words and utopian ideals don't solve the issues happening to you at this very moment.
Load More Replies...It's so sad that this group of people felt that they could not live safely in the towns and cities of America. But what they may not see is that creating a 'black' only town or city is actually racist against people who are not of colour. Imagine creating a town that was 'white' only. There would be an outcry and rightly so. This is not the answer.
It is not a black only town. Their mission clearly states "Our LLC pledges to create a thriving safe haven for black families and our allies that brings value and gives back to the community." And our allies. That means anyone who believes in racial justice and racial equality. The only people that are excluded are racists.
Load More Replies...this is what regressiveness looks like. this is going to collapse into a den of crime. not because they are black. just segregation never works. bad idea
Kostas, we have been trying to maintain segregation since whites came to this country. Entitlement goes way back. Before much else. Their town will not be segregated. But it will be a town that is inclusive, and shared and a community that believes we can live in peace, and be happy when we live together in harmony. Not how we live now.
Load More Replies...So they are building a non-whites town.... Seems a great starting point for a society that aims to fight segregation.
Where does it state "no white people"? I read "a community that prioritizes diversity and inclusion by hiring BIPOC and women vendors, suppliers and contractors, a community that boasts accessible spaces for all people"
Load More Replies...Change history so that whites were the slaves of black people and whites have suffered systematic oppression by blacks, then we'll talk about it.
Load More Replies...You don't fight racism with racism and segregation. So are white people not allowed in? Imagine if some white people did that and not allow black people in, hell would break loose.
They aren't fighting. They are tired of fighting. They are tired of a system that kills their brothers and sisters. They are tired of living in fear. They are tired of a system designed to keep them down. They are looking for a new way forward. I hope they have massive success.
Load More Replies...All the comments calling this racist and wrong, do you not get that black people have been TRYING to live with white people and only asked 1 thing, to be treated as equal. Hundreds of years later in this modern day they are still treated sub-par. Black fathers still have to explain to their kids they need to watch how they act, how they drive, how they shop, how they dress, just so they aren't singled out, arrested, or killed. I'm white and I'm embarrassed about how so many white people react negatively to BLM and I fully support the black lives matter movement and if you have anything to say that isn't supportive you seriously need to step back and think about your beliefs toward humanity.
I agree with this so much. I am ashamed of this country. I am ashamed at the daily racism. The blatantness, the boldness. I support BLM wholeheartedly. I stand with my friends that are POC. My kids are POC (native American). My husband suffered racism all his life. He told me he knew I was empathetic and he loved me for it, but I could never understand. And he was right. You will NEVER understand unless you've felt it. The best you can do is love, be loved and stand by who you love.
Load More Replies...Ok how long before some twit tries to sue them for discrimination or buy the land around them just to harass them. Also hands up who remembers the last time some enterprising black folk build a thriving city and businesses, I think it was Tulsa right. Wishing them the best and hope they are left in peace.
Keeping people out that aren't black would be discrimination. Allowing them to do that would set a precedent. This whole thing is a terrible idea for so many reasons.
Load More Replies...Glad to see I'm not the only one who finds this depressing, unhealthy, unhelpful and ultimately prejudice. Let’s now create a town for women, the LGBTQ+ community and the disabled! Racism exists and is abhorrent. But some folks are pathological victims and see every slant life throws at them is down to colour. It isn't always. LIFE. IS. TOUGH. Sometimes people are cruel, usually people are just idiots. But I’m going to call it - after years managing a multicultural workforce - until Indian colleagues sort the caste system, African colleagues combat tribalism and various nations sort homophobia and misogyny, we’re screwed. The hatred and intolerance I have witnessed in the BME community amongst themselves is disgusting. So don’t blame it ALL on white folks! FAR FROM PERFECT, but not the only issue that needs addressing.
Instead of creating a town for all the minorities why can't we just create a town for the violent racists? Let's call it...hmm...How about "Jail"?
Load More Replies...This is not the first time. There are a number of towns created by blacks since the Civil War.
Unfortunately many of those attempts to create an equitable society have been undermined by white people with power. Case in point: New Philadelphia, IL: http://newphiladelphiail.org/
Load More Replies...I will probably be downvoted or told I don't know what I am talking about, but I am still going to speak my piece. I am a black woman who lives in Texas. I understand how these folks feel and can understand their point of view. I would not do this myself, but I wish these people the best. To the people who say that this is racist: Until you are judged on the color of your skin and have to keep seeing members of your community killed by the police, you don't know what racism is. For those who argue that more white people are killed by the police: There are more of you, so yes more of you might get killed. Can we just stop fighting over race issues and just get along.
White men are 20 times as likely to be killed by the police as black women. Black men are 2.5 times as likely to be killed by police as white men, when you adjust for population. As it so happens, black men or (horifyingly) 2.5 times as likely to be very poor as white men. When you adjust for percentage of population and poverty, white men are slightly more likely to be killed by police as black men. (Some speculate it's due to their being more likely to own guns.) Police don't kill black people in high numbers. They kill POOR MEN, in high numbers. That is not NOT to say there isn't a lot of racism in this country. There is, and it's just -- when I was younger, I thought it would be pretty much all gone by now since I never knew a single racist person of my generation growing up. I'm 52. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that many black people have something like PTSD from all this. I've seen it in friends.
Load More Replies...I wish them the best of luck but I can't help but think of Tulsa and "black wall street" historically speaking, the system finds ways to keep people down.
I only wish racists had their own country. There they could build a wall around themselves, and live their hateful lives away from good people.
you can always leave to Africa where life is rosy...
Load More Replies...A lot of the people in the comments are just annoyed by this because they ASSUME they would not be allowed to live there (because they are white). Oh, the irony and the ignorance. DID YOU ACTUALLY READ THE ARTICLE? Nowhere is it stated that this ONLY black people can live there. They talked about wanting more power to influence decision makers in their area - and the route to that power is through land ownership. It says black families bought the land, it doesn't say, black families refused white families on their land. That is your assumption because white people literally do that to non-whites across the USA. Not everyone thinks that way.
God bless these people, its so upsetting it had to come to this. racism is awful. having darker skin is nothing to be ashamed of.
I'm not surprised that a lot of people that are not negatively or directly impacted by the historic, systemic racism in America, once again, presume to tell black people how to "appropriately" respond to white supremacy. Black peoples problems will only be solved by black people. Chasing after the acceptence and the approval of the people responsible for our captivity in the country is foolishness.
I used to think the majority of commenting users here were progressive. Seeing the whiney “why am I being left out of this community” white privilege, passive-aggressive racist, and overt racist comments here has cured me of that naive misunderstanding. Spend your life (and the lives of your families and peers) being marginalized, mistreated, or outright murdered, for centuries, just for your skin color, and then maybe you’ll have an idea of what these people are feeling when they set out to create a new community.
Thank you for your support and understanding. That's all we really want is for someone to listen to us and stop talking about the things that have happened to them.
Load More Replies...This comment section is a dumpster fire. People are seriously claiming that a group of black people looking to escape the violence of white supremacy by buying and building their own community is racist toward white people... SMFH. This is not the same as white people declaring their town to be a black free zone (ever heard of redlining?). This is a vulnerable group of people trying to escape violence. And no where does it say they won't allow non black people- it literally says they welcome allies. The crocodile tears being shed are unbelievably disgusting. Shame on you people.
I honestly don't understand why American people don't migrate more than they do now. If my country goes to shambles because of bad governement and I don't feel safe/home here anymore, I would move in a heartbeat...
If you ever do plan to leave the US, do check where you're allowed to visit and then check the immigration process, living conditions, jobs available, etc.
Load More Replies...and for all of you who are so negative, what is your solution to this issue when the world we live in knocks you down at every turn just because your black. when your own president could care less about the struggles you face because he'll never have to go thru them. when no matter how much money you have, you are still at the bottom of the totem pole just because of something out of your control. and for your info, we have done this before in many areas and prospered beyond your imagination contrary to your belief, starting with much less. we had schools, hospitals, banks and more, but the whites became envious and burned it to the ground and killed hundreds of blacks just because. its negativity like i read here that is the reason why this is being done in the first place.
I think it's a good initiative by African americans with privilege and wealth. Racism is in fact economic, and since the government isn't doing much about compensating black Americans for the opportunities they were robbed off in the past, Its only natural that they take things into their own hands.Also, nowhere is it mentioned that they'll exclude white people from this community.
I wish them luck on this endeavor. Going to take some cash flow to build a city with all the infrastructure needed.
Those are religious communities. You can change your religion, but you can't change your race
Load More Replies...Aaaaand the racism and privilege of the so-called progressive liberals on this site rears its ugly head. You just don’t get it and I’m not sure how to help people get it. It took me a while, too, to recognize my white cis male privilege, but I’m trying. What helps? I have had some minor tastes of persecution and bigotry: being atheist, vegan, poly, voting Green Party (no, not this year), dealing with toxic masculinity, everyone who thinks noise isn’t harmful, the so-called mental healthcare industry, etc. I have wanted to form a community of like-minded people myself. It’s a massive & extremely complex undertaking. I wish these people all the best, as I know the complexities would scare me into passing on such an effort. My first thought is: which law enforcement agency is going to lord over them between now and when they have enough critical mass to incorporate as a town with their own legal system? Systemic racism can still result in blocking this community from developing.
Well what do u know? I don't live in usa . don't hav ethe first hand experience of what is going on ein there,but this was the solution that crossed my mind . U gotta go on your own when people refuse to change
I am ashamed at all the racists here. You should be ashamed. We all should be ashamed.
I hope they are successful, but I suspect TPTB will go all out to destroy their community. Why? Because they are taking control of their own lives, which is a dire threat to the increasingly autocratic, power-mad elite. BTW, does anyone know what those massive scars on the landscape are (including one in Toomsboro)?
40 ACRES AND A MULE!!! WE HAVENT FORGOTTEN. DID YOU KNOW THAT SOME SLAVES ACTUALLY GOT THOSE 40 ACRES. THEN THEY TOOK IT BACK. THUS STARTING THE GREAT MIGRATION FROM THE SOUTH. 40 ACRES AND A MULE... LET THAT SINK IN. I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE WITH YOU. THE ISOLATION IS WHAT I DONT LIKE..... BUT THOSE ARE MY FEARS....
I grew up in California with every race and culture on earth saw no prejudice? Then I visited Tennessee WOW what a culture shock! I thought prejudice like I saw there was only in old movies but it was everywhere in the south. I saw the situation get worse when Obama was elected, I'm not sure what to make of that?
I think it's too easy for those of us who don't live in such areas to not understand how it can be. You just hear vague stories as if someone thinks they are reminding you of something you already know. I have personally talked to only three people who were conciously racist. (I'm 52.) That isn't to say people didn't have their unconcious biases or prejudicial thinking (which can be as harmful). But conciously, blatantly being racist is something I also thought was a thing of the past except for maybe one out of every 200,000 people. It's a big country. Every area is not the same.
Load More Replies...I have thought of doing this a few times myself. This idea is nothing new, many have tried it some succeed, some fail. Saying that power comes from money is a misguided statement, one drastic economic change can wipe out all that money like the 30s deoression, and there is one on the way, about 30% of the world governments are bankrupt. When this happens a person or group of people with a little land that can self sustain will be ahead of the curve, assuming they don't poison the environment any further and cause a total extinction.. Are you nice black folk buying any white slaves to help your farming, I know a few white kids around here that would be better off as slaves than living with their crack/meth head mafia/gangster connected pond scum families.
So sad that's it come to this, good luck brothers and sisters hope you prosper and build the best city ever!! Man if I was Perez the changes I would make!! So very sad what this country has become!!
I have commented already, but I have something very important to say: I, as not just a black person, but as a human being, am tired. So so tired of all of this debate and arguing over these kinds of issues. It makes it seem like all the work of civil rights leaders was for nothing. I personally, don't care what color skin you have or what ethnicity you are or what religion you are as long as you are a decent person. My dad has a really good friend and the guy is white and Republican. However he has helped our family out so many times. To me, none of these things that we fighting over matter. What matters to me is protecting my immunocompromised father from the coronavirus and being the best person I can be. At the end of the day, the blood that flows through all our veins is the same color, even if our skin color isn't. Please, I beg of you, please stop the fighting and arguing about these issues and situations.
I'm not sure sure that staying in the racist south is going to work. Once the racists find out about where the site is, I'm sure they'll go over there in their pick-ups with their rifles. I hope it goes well, but I think that going to a Democrat state would have been a safer bet.
Are you all completely loopy? Kenosha is in Wisconsin. Riots in Oregon, Minnesota... Racists convicted of murder came from Ohio to Virginia in 2017. Vermont has KKK. RACISM IS EVERYWHERE AND DENYING THAT IS WHY IT"S STILL AROUND!
Load More Replies...question did anyone READ the article , right on sistas and families great Job. Lets encourage and support our brothers and sistas. I AINT SCARED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW EITHER, RIGHT ON!!!
We can all start the change now, make equality now, believe now, we can all love together in peace, and enjoy each other as neighbors and friends. Now, is the time, now is the place, and toss color out the window. If you don't, if we don't. We will all be sorry one day. One very sorry white girl, who hopes this city becomes the golden rule of how cities should be.
Are cowards. Afraid for themselves, and too lazy to do anything about themselves and their lives,and never will,never have. So their answer to change and equality and changing the future, will be violence,fear, and evil. Who will stand up and help protect what they are doing, and want to do to secure a future for their families? I live in Georgia. I was shocked at the still present attitude of "segregation" and good old boy network and living. People don't want change for our Black population and leaders! They want to maintain their "base" of power through fear and intimidation. Don't get me wrong, there are some wonderful white folks working to change this. Well, it can't be just a few good white folks. It must be all of us, everyone, that embraces change. Because one day, in the future, the past will repeat. I know this. But...but, what if the next time, white folks are the ones on the bottom, the ones treated as we treated Black folks ? Who are you going to call then. Who?.
In the past, land was power. Land is, power. It means all that is described in this presentation. Some of you mention that segregation is not the answer? Not the answer? Who segregated Black folks since they were kidnapped from their own lands and homes and families, on an entire other continent? Whites did. Who segregated businesses, schools, laws, police, treatment of others? Whites did! So now the tables of time are turned, and you shout out, SEGREGATION ISN'T THE ANSWER.. well, well, well. How do you propose to change this, when Blacks screamed this in the last 100 years? You didn't. If you can't change the past errors and wrongs, they will repeat. And this is exactly what has been going on as long as I have been alive. You all "hope " this works. Real vote of confidence for people willing to take their present and future I. To their own hands. Way to go. Let me tell you this little fact.. whoever attacks them, their community and prevents or tries to, what they are doing,
Y'all, their city isn't going to be "blacks only" they distinctly say they are hoping for diversity. It makes sense to build a place where the power *isn't* in the hands of the wealthiest white people and needs to slowly be clawed back, but is in THEIRS from day one. They're going to have a brand new police force without any "old guard" perpetuating violence/stereotypes against BIPOC. They're going to have utilities that don't mysteriously get shittier and shittier the lower a neighborhood is in the income ladder. I wish them luck, and THIS is how a change begins.
PROTECT👏 PEOPLE 👏OF 👏COLOR!!!! Stuff like this shouldn't have to be done!
Fantastic! I applaud your bold experiment in freedom and security akin to the founding of our nation. Y'all have the right attitude/ spirit ... do for yourselves what other can't or won't do for you. I hope to hear more of your progress and successes in the years to come.
Friends. Please contact me. I want to help. Message me on Facebook. Cindy Perry Patterson. I'm an old white woman from the protests in the 60's.
They have a fabulous website with great info - http://thefreedomgeorgiainitiative.com/
Load More Replies...When I see all that BLM murders and looting I want race segregation town too - sound racist to you? Well, its same as they doing, right?
I'm so thrilled to here about this story. I've always felt this was a solution to the racism black people have had to endure in this country. The black townships in Oklahoma should take notice and rejuvenate those communities.
I have to comment just one last: While I have enjoyed coming on Bored Panda,there are some things that leave me shaken and emotionally drained. I didn't come here to get into debates with people, I came here for an escape. Unfortunately, it's getting harder to do that lately. To those people like Marnie and Jace who offer encouragement and don't beat me down because of my opinion, I want to say thank you. However, I am afraid that I am going to have to stay out of the political articles. There is too much angry venom in these articles and my already depressed mind can't deal with being beat down anymore.
Sure...just completely ignore the black-on-black crime that is the REAL killer of black Americans. Excuses, excuses... Hopefully they won't have that issue, but there is plenty of proof of it as a direct threat to their utopia. Segregation is hypocrisy and harmfull, just as isolation of any kind is harmful. Her therapist should've told her that instead. Stay IN society and help it transform (without violence). As long as you run and hide from the world, you'll never heal.
So we're bring back segregation? I need to know so that I can let Joe Biden know that bussing is off.
Since I'm wildly unpopular anyway, doing things like this pushes racists deeper into racism. Not one of us has done a damn thing to these people except baby them for the sins of our fathers. Why are there not more black cops in neighborhoods? Because by and large, they ARE the problem.
I'm sorry but this seems like another step in the direction they claim they don't want to go. If color shouldn't be a factor in how any of us live our lives, why is there a black television network, a black history month, etc.? Each of these, and many others, seem tailor-made to separate, and almost antagonize, because there are more openly racists individuals now than there were a few years ago.
Who knew the solution to racism in America was more racism and segregation? Cause that seems to be the direction we are heading in.
I really really wish you would stop calling every situation where black people are tired of being mistreated racist.
Load More Replies...It is not a black only town. Please read before commenting/judging.
Load More Replies...And go where? Because of the pandemic, Americans are banned from most countries, plus they would have to go through an immigration process, might need to learn a new language, their qualifications might not be recognized, etc. It's fantastic that you are willing and able to move to Belarus or Barbados in a heart beat, but it's a bit more complicated for most people.
Load More Replies...Sure, but if you've been affected by this inequality for generations, lofty words and utopian ideals don't solve the issues happening to you at this very moment.
Load More Replies...It's so sad that this group of people felt that they could not live safely in the towns and cities of America. But what they may not see is that creating a 'black' only town or city is actually racist against people who are not of colour. Imagine creating a town that was 'white' only. There would be an outcry and rightly so. This is not the answer.
It is not a black only town. Their mission clearly states "Our LLC pledges to create a thriving safe haven for black families and our allies that brings value and gives back to the community." And our allies. That means anyone who believes in racial justice and racial equality. The only people that are excluded are racists.
Load More Replies...this is what regressiveness looks like. this is going to collapse into a den of crime. not because they are black. just segregation never works. bad idea
Kostas, we have been trying to maintain segregation since whites came to this country. Entitlement goes way back. Before much else. Their town will not be segregated. But it will be a town that is inclusive, and shared and a community that believes we can live in peace, and be happy when we live together in harmony. Not how we live now.
Load More Replies...So they are building a non-whites town.... Seems a great starting point for a society that aims to fight segregation.
Where does it state "no white people"? I read "a community that prioritizes diversity and inclusion by hiring BIPOC and women vendors, suppliers and contractors, a community that boasts accessible spaces for all people"
Load More Replies...Change history so that whites were the slaves of black people and whites have suffered systematic oppression by blacks, then we'll talk about it.
Load More Replies...You don't fight racism with racism and segregation. So are white people not allowed in? Imagine if some white people did that and not allow black people in, hell would break loose.
They aren't fighting. They are tired of fighting. They are tired of a system that kills their brothers and sisters. They are tired of living in fear. They are tired of a system designed to keep them down. They are looking for a new way forward. I hope they have massive success.
Load More Replies...All the comments calling this racist and wrong, do you not get that black people have been TRYING to live with white people and only asked 1 thing, to be treated as equal. Hundreds of years later in this modern day they are still treated sub-par. Black fathers still have to explain to their kids they need to watch how they act, how they drive, how they shop, how they dress, just so they aren't singled out, arrested, or killed. I'm white and I'm embarrassed about how so many white people react negatively to BLM and I fully support the black lives matter movement and if you have anything to say that isn't supportive you seriously need to step back and think about your beliefs toward humanity.
I agree with this so much. I am ashamed of this country. I am ashamed at the daily racism. The blatantness, the boldness. I support BLM wholeheartedly. I stand with my friends that are POC. My kids are POC (native American). My husband suffered racism all his life. He told me he knew I was empathetic and he loved me for it, but I could never understand. And he was right. You will NEVER understand unless you've felt it. The best you can do is love, be loved and stand by who you love.
Load More Replies...Ok how long before some twit tries to sue them for discrimination or buy the land around them just to harass them. Also hands up who remembers the last time some enterprising black folk build a thriving city and businesses, I think it was Tulsa right. Wishing them the best and hope they are left in peace.
Keeping people out that aren't black would be discrimination. Allowing them to do that would set a precedent. This whole thing is a terrible idea for so many reasons.
Load More Replies...Glad to see I'm not the only one who finds this depressing, unhealthy, unhelpful and ultimately prejudice. Let’s now create a town for women, the LGBTQ+ community and the disabled! Racism exists and is abhorrent. But some folks are pathological victims and see every slant life throws at them is down to colour. It isn't always. LIFE. IS. TOUGH. Sometimes people are cruel, usually people are just idiots. But I’m going to call it - after years managing a multicultural workforce - until Indian colleagues sort the caste system, African colleagues combat tribalism and various nations sort homophobia and misogyny, we’re screwed. The hatred and intolerance I have witnessed in the BME community amongst themselves is disgusting. So don’t blame it ALL on white folks! FAR FROM PERFECT, but not the only issue that needs addressing.
Instead of creating a town for all the minorities why can't we just create a town for the violent racists? Let's call it...hmm...How about "Jail"?
Load More Replies...This is not the first time. There are a number of towns created by blacks since the Civil War.
Unfortunately many of those attempts to create an equitable society have been undermined by white people with power. Case in point: New Philadelphia, IL: http://newphiladelphiail.org/
Load More Replies...I will probably be downvoted or told I don't know what I am talking about, but I am still going to speak my piece. I am a black woman who lives in Texas. I understand how these folks feel and can understand their point of view. I would not do this myself, but I wish these people the best. To the people who say that this is racist: Until you are judged on the color of your skin and have to keep seeing members of your community killed by the police, you don't know what racism is. For those who argue that more white people are killed by the police: There are more of you, so yes more of you might get killed. Can we just stop fighting over race issues and just get along.
White men are 20 times as likely to be killed by the police as black women. Black men are 2.5 times as likely to be killed by police as white men, when you adjust for population. As it so happens, black men or (horifyingly) 2.5 times as likely to be very poor as white men. When you adjust for percentage of population and poverty, white men are slightly more likely to be killed by police as black men. (Some speculate it's due to their being more likely to own guns.) Police don't kill black people in high numbers. They kill POOR MEN, in high numbers. That is not NOT to say there isn't a lot of racism in this country. There is, and it's just -- when I was younger, I thought it would be pretty much all gone by now since I never knew a single racist person of my generation growing up. I'm 52. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that many black people have something like PTSD from all this. I've seen it in friends.
Load More Replies...I wish them the best of luck but I can't help but think of Tulsa and "black wall street" historically speaking, the system finds ways to keep people down.
I only wish racists had their own country. There they could build a wall around themselves, and live their hateful lives away from good people.
you can always leave to Africa where life is rosy...
Load More Replies...A lot of the people in the comments are just annoyed by this because they ASSUME they would not be allowed to live there (because they are white). Oh, the irony and the ignorance. DID YOU ACTUALLY READ THE ARTICLE? Nowhere is it stated that this ONLY black people can live there. They talked about wanting more power to influence decision makers in their area - and the route to that power is through land ownership. It says black families bought the land, it doesn't say, black families refused white families on their land. That is your assumption because white people literally do that to non-whites across the USA. Not everyone thinks that way.
God bless these people, its so upsetting it had to come to this. racism is awful. having darker skin is nothing to be ashamed of.
I'm not surprised that a lot of people that are not negatively or directly impacted by the historic, systemic racism in America, once again, presume to tell black people how to "appropriately" respond to white supremacy. Black peoples problems will only be solved by black people. Chasing after the acceptence and the approval of the people responsible for our captivity in the country is foolishness.
I used to think the majority of commenting users here were progressive. Seeing the whiney “why am I being left out of this community” white privilege, passive-aggressive racist, and overt racist comments here has cured me of that naive misunderstanding. Spend your life (and the lives of your families and peers) being marginalized, mistreated, or outright murdered, for centuries, just for your skin color, and then maybe you’ll have an idea of what these people are feeling when they set out to create a new community.
Thank you for your support and understanding. That's all we really want is for someone to listen to us and stop talking about the things that have happened to them.
Load More Replies...This comment section is a dumpster fire. People are seriously claiming that a group of black people looking to escape the violence of white supremacy by buying and building their own community is racist toward white people... SMFH. This is not the same as white people declaring their town to be a black free zone (ever heard of redlining?). This is a vulnerable group of people trying to escape violence. And no where does it say they won't allow non black people- it literally says they welcome allies. The crocodile tears being shed are unbelievably disgusting. Shame on you people.
I honestly don't understand why American people don't migrate more than they do now. If my country goes to shambles because of bad governement and I don't feel safe/home here anymore, I would move in a heartbeat...
If you ever do plan to leave the US, do check where you're allowed to visit and then check the immigration process, living conditions, jobs available, etc.
Load More Replies...and for all of you who are so negative, what is your solution to this issue when the world we live in knocks you down at every turn just because your black. when your own president could care less about the struggles you face because he'll never have to go thru them. when no matter how much money you have, you are still at the bottom of the totem pole just because of something out of your control. and for your info, we have done this before in many areas and prospered beyond your imagination contrary to your belief, starting with much less. we had schools, hospitals, banks and more, but the whites became envious and burned it to the ground and killed hundreds of blacks just because. its negativity like i read here that is the reason why this is being done in the first place.
I think it's a good initiative by African americans with privilege and wealth. Racism is in fact economic, and since the government isn't doing much about compensating black Americans for the opportunities they were robbed off in the past, Its only natural that they take things into their own hands.Also, nowhere is it mentioned that they'll exclude white people from this community.
I wish them luck on this endeavor. Going to take some cash flow to build a city with all the infrastructure needed.
Those are religious communities. You can change your religion, but you can't change your race
Load More Replies...Aaaaand the racism and privilege of the so-called progressive liberals on this site rears its ugly head. You just don’t get it and I’m not sure how to help people get it. It took me a while, too, to recognize my white cis male privilege, but I’m trying. What helps? I have had some minor tastes of persecution and bigotry: being atheist, vegan, poly, voting Green Party (no, not this year), dealing with toxic masculinity, everyone who thinks noise isn’t harmful, the so-called mental healthcare industry, etc. I have wanted to form a community of like-minded people myself. It’s a massive & extremely complex undertaking. I wish these people all the best, as I know the complexities would scare me into passing on such an effort. My first thought is: which law enforcement agency is going to lord over them between now and when they have enough critical mass to incorporate as a town with their own legal system? Systemic racism can still result in blocking this community from developing.
Well what do u know? I don't live in usa . don't hav ethe first hand experience of what is going on ein there,but this was the solution that crossed my mind . U gotta go on your own when people refuse to change
I am ashamed at all the racists here. You should be ashamed. We all should be ashamed.
I hope they are successful, but I suspect TPTB will go all out to destroy their community. Why? Because they are taking control of their own lives, which is a dire threat to the increasingly autocratic, power-mad elite. BTW, does anyone know what those massive scars on the landscape are (including one in Toomsboro)?
40 ACRES AND A MULE!!! WE HAVENT FORGOTTEN. DID YOU KNOW THAT SOME SLAVES ACTUALLY GOT THOSE 40 ACRES. THEN THEY TOOK IT BACK. THUS STARTING THE GREAT MIGRATION FROM THE SOUTH. 40 ACRES AND A MULE... LET THAT SINK IN. I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE WITH YOU. THE ISOLATION IS WHAT I DONT LIKE..... BUT THOSE ARE MY FEARS....
I grew up in California with every race and culture on earth saw no prejudice? Then I visited Tennessee WOW what a culture shock! I thought prejudice like I saw there was only in old movies but it was everywhere in the south. I saw the situation get worse when Obama was elected, I'm not sure what to make of that?
I think it's too easy for those of us who don't live in such areas to not understand how it can be. You just hear vague stories as if someone thinks they are reminding you of something you already know. I have personally talked to only three people who were conciously racist. (I'm 52.) That isn't to say people didn't have their unconcious biases or prejudicial thinking (which can be as harmful). But conciously, blatantly being racist is something I also thought was a thing of the past except for maybe one out of every 200,000 people. It's a big country. Every area is not the same.
Load More Replies...I have thought of doing this a few times myself. This idea is nothing new, many have tried it some succeed, some fail. Saying that power comes from money is a misguided statement, one drastic economic change can wipe out all that money like the 30s deoression, and there is one on the way, about 30% of the world governments are bankrupt. When this happens a person or group of people with a little land that can self sustain will be ahead of the curve, assuming they don't poison the environment any further and cause a total extinction.. Are you nice black folk buying any white slaves to help your farming, I know a few white kids around here that would be better off as slaves than living with their crack/meth head mafia/gangster connected pond scum families.
So sad that's it come to this, good luck brothers and sisters hope you prosper and build the best city ever!! Man if I was Perez the changes I would make!! So very sad what this country has become!!
I have commented already, but I have something very important to say: I, as not just a black person, but as a human being, am tired. So so tired of all of this debate and arguing over these kinds of issues. It makes it seem like all the work of civil rights leaders was for nothing. I personally, don't care what color skin you have or what ethnicity you are or what religion you are as long as you are a decent person. My dad has a really good friend and the guy is white and Republican. However he has helped our family out so many times. To me, none of these things that we fighting over matter. What matters to me is protecting my immunocompromised father from the coronavirus and being the best person I can be. At the end of the day, the blood that flows through all our veins is the same color, even if our skin color isn't. Please, I beg of you, please stop the fighting and arguing about these issues and situations.
I'm not sure sure that staying in the racist south is going to work. Once the racists find out about where the site is, I'm sure they'll go over there in their pick-ups with their rifles. I hope it goes well, but I think that going to a Democrat state would have been a safer bet.
Are you all completely loopy? Kenosha is in Wisconsin. Riots in Oregon, Minnesota... Racists convicted of murder came from Ohio to Virginia in 2017. Vermont has KKK. RACISM IS EVERYWHERE AND DENYING THAT IS WHY IT"S STILL AROUND!
Load More Replies...question did anyone READ the article , right on sistas and families great Job. Lets encourage and support our brothers and sistas. I AINT SCARED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW EITHER, RIGHT ON!!!
We can all start the change now, make equality now, believe now, we can all love together in peace, and enjoy each other as neighbors and friends. Now, is the time, now is the place, and toss color out the window. If you don't, if we don't. We will all be sorry one day. One very sorry white girl, who hopes this city becomes the golden rule of how cities should be.
Are cowards. Afraid for themselves, and too lazy to do anything about themselves and their lives,and never will,never have. So their answer to change and equality and changing the future, will be violence,fear, and evil. Who will stand up and help protect what they are doing, and want to do to secure a future for their families? I live in Georgia. I was shocked at the still present attitude of "segregation" and good old boy network and living. People don't want change for our Black population and leaders! They want to maintain their "base" of power through fear and intimidation. Don't get me wrong, there are some wonderful white folks working to change this. Well, it can't be just a few good white folks. It must be all of us, everyone, that embraces change. Because one day, in the future, the past will repeat. I know this. But...but, what if the next time, white folks are the ones on the bottom, the ones treated as we treated Black folks ? Who are you going to call then. Who?.
In the past, land was power. Land is, power. It means all that is described in this presentation. Some of you mention that segregation is not the answer? Not the answer? Who segregated Black folks since they were kidnapped from their own lands and homes and families, on an entire other continent? Whites did. Who segregated businesses, schools, laws, police, treatment of others? Whites did! So now the tables of time are turned, and you shout out, SEGREGATION ISN'T THE ANSWER.. well, well, well. How do you propose to change this, when Blacks screamed this in the last 100 years? You didn't. If you can't change the past errors and wrongs, they will repeat. And this is exactly what has been going on as long as I have been alive. You all "hope " this works. Real vote of confidence for people willing to take their present and future I. To their own hands. Way to go. Let me tell you this little fact.. whoever attacks them, their community and prevents or tries to, what they are doing,
Y'all, their city isn't going to be "blacks only" they distinctly say they are hoping for diversity. It makes sense to build a place where the power *isn't* in the hands of the wealthiest white people and needs to slowly be clawed back, but is in THEIRS from day one. They're going to have a brand new police force without any "old guard" perpetuating violence/stereotypes against BIPOC. They're going to have utilities that don't mysteriously get shittier and shittier the lower a neighborhood is in the income ladder. I wish them luck, and THIS is how a change begins.
PROTECT👏 PEOPLE 👏OF 👏COLOR!!!! Stuff like this shouldn't have to be done!
Fantastic! I applaud your bold experiment in freedom and security akin to the founding of our nation. Y'all have the right attitude/ spirit ... do for yourselves what other can't or won't do for you. I hope to hear more of your progress and successes in the years to come.
Friends. Please contact me. I want to help. Message me on Facebook. Cindy Perry Patterson. I'm an old white woman from the protests in the 60's.
They have a fabulous website with great info - http://thefreedomgeorgiainitiative.com/
Load More Replies...When I see all that BLM murders and looting I want race segregation town too - sound racist to you? Well, its same as they doing, right?
I'm so thrilled to here about this story. I've always felt this was a solution to the racism black people have had to endure in this country. The black townships in Oklahoma should take notice and rejuvenate those communities.
I have to comment just one last: While I have enjoyed coming on Bored Panda,there are some things that leave me shaken and emotionally drained. I didn't come here to get into debates with people, I came here for an escape. Unfortunately, it's getting harder to do that lately. To those people like Marnie and Jace who offer encouragement and don't beat me down because of my opinion, I want to say thank you. However, I am afraid that I am going to have to stay out of the political articles. There is too much angry venom in these articles and my already depressed mind can't deal with being beat down anymore.
Sure...just completely ignore the black-on-black crime that is the REAL killer of black Americans. Excuses, excuses... Hopefully they won't have that issue, but there is plenty of proof of it as a direct threat to their utopia. Segregation is hypocrisy and harmfull, just as isolation of any kind is harmful. Her therapist should've told her that instead. Stay IN society and help it transform (without violence). As long as you run and hide from the world, you'll never heal.
So we're bring back segregation? I need to know so that I can let Joe Biden know that bussing is off.
Since I'm wildly unpopular anyway, doing things like this pushes racists deeper into racism. Not one of us has done a damn thing to these people except baby them for the sins of our fathers. Why are there not more black cops in neighborhoods? Because by and large, they ARE the problem.
I'm sorry but this seems like another step in the direction they claim they don't want to go. If color shouldn't be a factor in how any of us live our lives, why is there a black television network, a black history month, etc.? Each of these, and many others, seem tailor-made to separate, and almost antagonize, because there are more openly racists individuals now than there were a few years ago.
Who knew the solution to racism in America was more racism and segregation? Cause that seems to be the direction we are heading in.
I really really wish you would stop calling every situation where black people are tired of being mistreated racist.
Load More Replies...It is not a black only town. Please read before commenting/judging.
Load More Replies...And go where? Because of the pandemic, Americans are banned from most countries, plus they would have to go through an immigration process, might need to learn a new language, their qualifications might not be recognized, etc. It's fantastic that you are willing and able to move to Belarus or Barbados in a heart beat, but it's a bit more complicated for most people.
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