A Scholar's Homecoming
Andre Perry, a scholar and author at the Brookings Institution, takes an emotional journey back to his childhood home in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. This predominantly Black town, surrounded by Pittsburgh, holds a wealth of memories and a complex history that reflects the broader narrative of racial inequality in America. In this blog, we will delve into Perry's personal story and explore the deeper insights he offers into the systemic challenges faced by Black communities.
A Tale of Two Cities
As Perry revisits his roots in Wilkinsburg, he paints a vivid picture of a community that was once thriving and diverse. Standing on the porch of his childhood home at 1320 Hill Avenue, he reminisces about the rich culture and sense of camaraderie that defined his upbringing. However, he also acknowledges the underlying issues of poverty and racial inequality that plagued the town.
Wilkinsburg, once a predominantly White and affluent area, underwent a significant demographic shift in the 1970s. The economic decline, triggered by the departure of major companies like U.S. Steel, led to a White flight. As White residents left, Black individuals and families started moving into the area, and the neighborhood became predominantly Black. This transition had a profound impact on investment and development in the area.
Perry observes the stark contrast between the current state of Wilkinsburg and the neighboring areas that have benefited from revitalization and investment. He notes the abandoned and dilapidated homes in his former neighborhood, including his own childhood home, which has fallen into disrepair. The once-bustling main street, with beloved businesses like Angelo's Pizza, now lies dormant, a shadow of its former self.
The decline of Wilkinsburg is not an isolated incident but a symptom of broader policies and perceptions that devalue Black communities. Perry, through his work at the Brookings Institution, aims to quantify this devaluation and understand its impact on Black wealth and opportunity. He and his colleagues conducted a study that revealed homes in Black neighborhoods are underpriced by an average of 23%, resulting in a cumulative loss of $156 billion in equity. This lost equity could have financed millions of Black-owned businesses and funded millions of four-year college degrees.
Perry highlights how historical policies, such as redlining, and ongoing perceptions of Black neighborhoods as "riskier" contribute to the devaluation of assets in these areas. He emphasizes the need to recognize the intrinsic value of Black communities and invest in their growth, rather than perpetuating the cycle of disinvestment.
The Power of Education
Andre Perry's journey back to Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, is not just a trip down memory lane; it's a powerful exploration of the impact of education on his life and the broader community. Perry, a scholar and author at the Brookings Institution, grew up in a challenging environment, surrounded by poverty and racial inequality. Yet, he rose above these circumstances and credits his educational journey as a pivotal factor in his success.
Education as a Lifeline
Perry's upbringing in Wilkinsburg was characterized by economic shocks, racial tensions, and a lack of opportunities. His biological mother struggled with poverty, and his father was a heroin addict in and out of prison. It was his neighbor, Elsie Boyd, who took him in and provided a stable home, along with many other children in similar situations. Boyd's influence on Perry cannot be overstated, and he fondly recalls her as "the closest thing to God that I know."
However, it was in school where Perry found a sense of community and support. He attended Wilkinsburg schools until his junior year when he transferred to Peabody High School. Perry reflects on the impact of education in his life: "School was a central part of my life, and it became a central part of my career... It was a community good, particularly for those who may not have had other supports that a middle-class lifestyle would afford them."
Running Towards a Brighter Future
Perry took up cross-country and track during his high school and college years, initially as a means of escape from the troubles he faced in Wilkinsburg. Violence was bubbling up in the late '80s, and running offered him a literal escape from potential harm. But it also taught him a valuable lesson—instead of running away from problems, he learned to run towards them. This mindset shift is reflected in his work today, where he tackles issues of racial and structural inequalities head-on.
Empowering the Next Generation
Perry's experiences growing up in Wilkinsburg fueled his passion for education and his determination to create positive change. He emphasizes the importance of investing in schools, particularly in urban and impoverished neighborhoods. Good schools, he argues, act as magnets for families looking to put down roots and raise their children. Additionally, students who have positive educational experiences are more likely to stay in their communities or return after pursuing higher education.
Perry's work at the Brookings Institution focuses on racial and structural inequalities, and he advocates for supporting urban schools. He believes that these issues are the root causes of violence and despair in urban communities. By addressing these issues head-on and providing much-needed resources, Perry aims to empower the next generation to break free from the cycles of poverty and inequality that he witnessed growing up.
Breaking the Cycle: Investing in Black Women
In his analysis of the racial wealth gap, Perry challenges the notion that Black women are to blame for poverty and family instability. Instead, he argues that systemic issues and policy choices are the true culprits. He highlights the strength and resilience of Black women like Elsie Boyd, who created family structures to support children when society and the government failed them.
Perry's research at Brookings led him to coin the term "devalued assets" to describe the intentional suppression of value in assets proximate to Black people. This devaluation is evident in housing, business, and other areas of society. He emphasizes that the problem is not with Black families but with the way the world values the things around them. To break the cycle of devaluation, Perry suggests investing in Black women and getting them into positions of power, such as teachers, CEOs, and politicians. This representation matters because it ensures that policies are created with the unique needs and perspectives of Black communities in mind.
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The Impact Beyond Wilkinsburg
Andre Perry's journey back to Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, is more than just a personal pilgrimage; it's a call to action for addressing the systemic issues that plague Black communities across the nation. In this section, we will delve into the broader implications of Perry's work and explore how his insights can pave the way for positive change.
A National Narrative
Perry's story is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a broader narrative of racial inequality and the wealth gap in the United States. His work at the Brookings Institution aims to quantify this disparity and understand its root causes. By analyzing home prices and studying the impact of policies like redlining, Perry shines a light on the systemic devaluation of Black communities. This devaluation has far-reaching consequences, hindering wealth accumulation, limiting access to quality education, and perpetuating a cycle of poverty.
The Power of Data and Personal Stories
Perry's approach to tackling these systemic issues is twofold: rigorous data analysis and personal storytelling. By combining these elements, he provides a compelling and comprehensive argument. On the one hand, he presents data-driven research, controlling for variables like school district, neighborhood safety, and socioeconomic status to demonstrate the undervaluing of assets in Black neighborhoods. This data doesn't just exist in a vacuum; it's supported by Perry's own experiences and the stories of other Black individuals and communities. By sharing these personal narratives, Perry puts a human face to the statistics, making the issues relatable and tangible.
Beyond Wilkinsburg: A National Crisis
The issues highlighted in Wilkinsburg are not unique to this town. Perry's work extends beyond his hometown, as he examines other Black-majority cities across the country, including Detroit, Birmingham, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. Through his research, he uncovers a pattern of disinvestment and undervaluation in these communities, hindering their ability to thrive and prosper. This pattern is not a coincidence but a result of historical policies and perceptions that continue to shape the present.
The Path Forward: Investing in Black Communities
So, what is the solution to this pervasive issue? Perry emphasizes the need for intentional investment in Black communities, particularly in areas like education, business development, and infrastructure. He argues that simply pouring money into these neighborhoods is not enough; it's about investing in the people and empowering them to become homeowners, business owners, and leaders. By doing so, we can break the cycle of disinvestment and create a positive feedback loop that attracts further investment and growth.
Additionally, Perry highlights the crucial role of Black women in this equation. He challenges the notion that Black single mothers are to blame for poverty and family instability. Instead, he recognizes the strength and resilience of these women, who have created family structures and supported their communities despite systemic obstacles. Investing in Black women, elevating their voices, and ensuring their representation in positions of power are essential steps toward progress.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
Perry's work is a powerful call to action, urging policymakers, community leaders, and individuals to recognize the intrinsic value of Black communities and take concrete steps to address the systemic issues they face. It's about more than just acknowledging the problems; it's about taking responsibility and working towards tangible solutions. By combining data-driven analysis with personal storytelling, Perry provides a roadmap for a more equitable future, where Black communities are empowered to thrive and succeed.
Further Insights and Exploration
For those seeking to delve deeper into the topics discussed in this blog, Andre Perry's book, "Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America's Black Cities," offers a comprehensive exploration of the issues. In it, he shares his personal story and provides in-depth analysis of six Black-majority cities, including his hometown of Wilkinsburg. The book has received acclaim from various notable figures, including Henry Louis Gates Jr., Wendell Pierce, and Grant Oliphant. It serves as a powerful tool for understanding the past, navigating the present, and shaping a more equitable future.