How the Streets Were Made: Housing Segregation and Black Life in America

Yelena Bailey's book explores how the streets have shaped contemporary perceptions of black identity, community, violence, spending habits, and belonging, using an interdisciplinary analysis of media studies, literary studies, history, sociology, film studies, and music studies. It examines the streets through the lens of marketing campaigns, literature, hip-hop, film, and television to understand the cultural meanings associated with them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2020
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

In her groundbreaking book, "Streets of Blackness," Yelena Bailey delves into the intricate tapestry of the streets, exploring their multifaceted nature as both a physical and sociocultural realm. This comprehensive examination goes beyond the mere physicality of segregationist policies to shed light on the profound impact that the streets have had on our understanding of blackness in America for decades. Drawing upon a diverse range of fields such as media studies, literary studies, history, sociology, film studies, and music studies, Bailey conducts an interdisciplinary analysis that uncovers the profound ways in which the streets have shaped contemporary perceptions of black identity, community, violence, spending habits, and belonging.

Through her meticulous research, Bailey unveils the intricate ways in which the streets have become a cultural battlefield, where historical and sociological perspectives intersect with the realm of marketing campaigns, literature, hip-hop, film, and television. By examining these media through the lens of cultural contestation, she illuminates the complex interplay between the white and black imaginations, as well as the ways in which the streets have served as a platform for self-assertion and determination for black communities.

In the first chapter, Bailey sets the stage for her exploration by tracing the historical roots of the street as a space of segregation and marginalization. She highlights the ways in which discriminatory policies and practices have created a physical and symbolic divide between black and white communities, leaving the streets as a symbol of oppression and disenfranchisement. However, she also acknowledges the resilience and creativity of black communities, who have used the streets as a space of resistance, celebration, and cultural expression.

The second chapter delves into the sociocultural implications of the street as a space of identity and community. Bailey explores how the streets have become a site of cultural contestation, where black individuals and communities have used their presence and presence to challenge dominant narratives and assert their own identities. She examines the ways in which the streets have served as a platform for the expression of black culture, from music and fashion to language and slang, and how they have contributed to the formation of black subcultures and communities.

In the third chapter, Bailey examines the relationship between the streets and violence. She explores how the streets have become a breeding ground for criminal activity and violence, particularly among black youth. She highlights the impact of systemic racism and economic inequality on the lives of black communities, which have led to high rates of crime and incarceration. However, she also emphasizes the resilience and strength of black communities, who have used the streets as a space of healing and empowerment, organizing community-based initiatives to address social and economic issues.

The fourth chapter explores the impact of the streets on spending habits and consumer culture. Bailey examines how the streets have become a hub for commercial activity, with a wide range of businesses and retailers catering to the needs of black communities. She explores the ways in which the street has influenced fashion, music, and popular culture, and how it has contributed to the formation of black consumerism and the development of black-owned businesses.

In the fifth chapter, Bailey examines the role of the streets in shaping contemporary perceptions of blackness in America. She explores how the streets have become a symbol of black resilience and strength, as well as a source of shame and stigma. She highlights the ways in which the media and popular culture have perpetuated stereotypes and negative representations of black communities, which have contributed to the perpetuation of racial inequality and discrimination. However, she also emphasizes the ways in which black individuals and communities have used the streets as a space of self-expression and empowerment, challenging these stereotypes and reclaiming their own narratives.

In the final chapter, Bailey reflects on the broader implications of her analysis. She explores how the streets have become a global phenomenon, with similar patterns of segregation and marginalization emerging in cities around the world. She emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the streets, drawing upon a range of disciplines such as urban planning, sociology, and cultural studies. She also calls for a more inclusive and equitable approach to urban development, which recognizes the diverse needs and experiences of black communities and seeks to address the root
In her groundbreaking book, "Streets of Blackness," Yelena Bailey delves into the intricate tapestry of the streets, exploring their multifaceted nature as both a physical and sociocultural realm. This comprehensive examination goes beyond the mere physicality of segregationist policies to shed light on the profound impact that the streets have had on our understanding of blackness in America for decades. Drawing upon a diverse range of fields such as media studies, literary studies, history, sociology, film studies, and music studies, Bailey conducts an interdisciplinary analysis that uncovers the profound ways in which the streets have shaped contemporary perceptions of black identity, community, violence, spending habits, and belonging.

Through her meticulous research, Bailey unveils the intricate ways in which the streets have become a cultural battlefield, where historical and sociological, historical and sociological perspectives intersect with the realm of marketing campaigns, literature, hip-hop, film, and television. By examining these media through the lens of cultural contestation, she illuminates the complex interplay between the white and black imaginations, as well as the ways in which the streets have served as a platform for self-assertion and determination for black communities.

In the first chapter, Bailey sets the stage for her exploration by tracing the historical roots

In the first chapter, Bailey sets the stage for her exploration by tracing the historical roots, historical and sociological roots, of the street as a space of segregation and marginalization. She highlights the ways in which discriminatory policies and practices have created a physical and symbolic divide between black and white communities, leaving the streets as a symbol of oppression and disenfranchisement. However, she also acknowledges the resilience and creativity of black communities, who have used the streets as a space of resistance, celebration, and cultural expression.

The second chapter delves into the sociocultural implications of the street as a space of identity and community. Bailey explores how the streets have become a site of cultural contestation, where black individuals and communities have used their presence and presence to challenge dominant narratives and assert their own identities. She examines the ways in which the streets have served as a platform for the expression of black culture, from music and fashion to language and slang, and how they have contributed to the formation of black subcultures and communities.

In the third chapter, Bailey examines the relationship between the streets and violence. She explores how the streets have become a breeding ground for criminal activity and violence, particularly among black youth. She highlights the impact of systemic racism and economic inequality on the lives of black communities, which have led to high rates of crime and incarceration. However, she also emphasizes the resilience and strength of black communities, who have used the streets as a space of healing and empowerment, organizing community-based initiatives to address social and economic issues.

The fourth chapter explores the impact of the streets on spending habits and consumer culture. Bailey examines how the streets have become a hub for commercial activity, with a wide range of businesses and retailers catering to the needs of black communities. She explores the ways in which the streets have influenced fashion, music, and popular culture, and how it has contributed to the formation of black consumerism and the development of black-owned businesses.

In the fifth chapter, Bailey examines the role of the streets in shaping contemporary perceptions of blackness in America. She explores how the streets have become a symbol of black resilience and strength, as well as a source of shame and stigma. She highlights the ways in which the media and popular culture have perpetuated stereotypes and negative representations of black communities, which have contributed to the perpetuation of racial inequality and discrimination. However, she also emphasizes the ways in which black individuals and communities have used the streets as a space of self-expression and empowerment, challenging these stereotypes and reclaiming their own narratives.

In the final chapter, Bailey reflects on the broader the broader implications of her analysis. She explores how the streets have become a global phenomenon, with similar patterns of segregation and marginalization emerging in cities around the world. She emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the streets, drawing upon a range of disciplines such as urban planning, sociology, and cultural studies. She also calls for a more inclusive and equitable approach to urban development, which recognizes the diverse needs and experiences of black communities and seeks to address the

In conclusion, "Streets of Blackness" is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the streets as a physical and sociocultural realm. By delving into the historical roots, sociocultural implications, and broader implications of the street as a space of segregation and marginalization, Bailey provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of blackness in America and its impact on our society. Through her meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, she sheds light on the complex interplay between the white and black imaginations, as well as the ways in which the streets have served as a platform for self-assertion and determination for black communities. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of blackness and its relationship to the streets.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781469660592