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Racial Justice

Uprooted

Virginia Universities Have Expanded by Dislodging Black Communities

In the second half of the 20th century, the establishment and expansion of public universities across Virginia uprooted Black families, hindering their efforts to accumulate wealth in the most American way — homeownership.

Impact of Our Reporting
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Uprooted

Virginia Lawmakers Approve Commission to Examine Universities’ Displacement of Black Communities

The groundbreaking commission, which was proposed in response to our “Uprooted” series, would consider compensation for dislodged property owners and their descendants. Whether Gov. Glenn Youngkin will sign the bill is unclear.

Local Reporting Network

Uprooted

Task Force to Consider “Restorative Justice” for Black Families Uprooted by Virginia University’s Expansion

Spurred by our “Uprooted” series, a task force created by the city of Newport News and Christopher Newport University will reexamine decades of city and university records shedding light on a Black neighborhood’s destruction.

Local Reporting Network

Uprooted

Virginia Lawmaker Calls for Commission to Study State Universities’ History of Uprooting Black Communities

In response to our reporting, state Delegate Delores McQuinn said a task force could shed light on the impact of college expansion in Virginia. Officials are also calling for displaced families to receive redress, from scholarships to reparations.

Local Reporting Network

“Uprooted” Documentary Wins Regional Emmy

“Uprooted” Wins Top Award from the Education Writers Association

The Family Photographs That Helped Us Investigate How a University Displaced a Black Community

“Uprooted” Wins Paul Tobenkin Memorial Award

The University Uprooted a Black Neighborhood. Then Its Policies Reduced the Black Presence on Campus.

“Uprooted” Explores How University Expansion and Eminent Domain Led to Black Land Loss

Virginia Law Allows the Papers of University Presidents to Stay Secret, Limiting Public Oversight

Virginia’s Public Universities Have a Long History of Displacing Black Residents

Why the Destruction of a Black Neighborhood Matters to Me — and Should Matter to Everyone

Erasing the “Black Spot”: How a Virginia College Expanded by Uprooting a Black Neighborhood