Ghost of a Chance – Episode 6: "The Dividing Line"

Released February 10, 2025

Introduction

In the sixth episode of "Ghost of a Chance", titled "The Dividing Line", Eric Roper continues his exploration into the history of his newly acquired 113-year-old Minneapolis home. As he delves deeper, Eric uncovers the compelling story of Harry and Clementine Robinson, a black couple whose lives were intricately tied to the very neighborhood he now inhabits. This episode examines the profound impact of Interstate 35 West (I35W) on the black community in Minneapolis, revealing how urban planning and systemic racism intersected to reshape the city's demographic and social landscape.

The Construction of I35W and Community Disruption

Eric Roper begins by describing the geographical proximity of Clementine's home to the planned I35W freeway:

"Clementine's house is literally one house away from the freeway. So I can imagine her standing on her front stoop, sort of watching homes right nearby getting demolished or moved, you know, one by one, right next to her house to make way for this freeway."
[02:00]

Melissa Townsend provides historical context, highlighting a nationwide trend where interstate highways disproportionately affected black communities:

"In the 1950s and 60s, officials put these freeways in places that disrupted or destroyed black communities. A quick Internet search showed this happened in New York, Miami, Chicago, Pacific, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Nashville, Baltimore, Atlanta, Detroit, Montgomery, and right across the river From Minneapolis in St. Paul, Minnesota."
[02:28]

Eric draws parallels with the destruction of the Rondo neighborhood by Interstate 94, emphasizing the recurring pattern of infrastructural projects exacerbating racial segregation:

"Rondo is sort of the most famous black neighborhood in the Twin Cities. It was much more concentrated. It was middle class, very thriving. And it's famous today in part because the Interstate 94 freeway destroyed it really pretty much right down the middle. I mean, you know, it was a straight shot Through Rondo. And Rondo has never been the same."
[03:05]

Conflicting Reports and Racial Undercurrents

A critical piece of the narrative involves the report by transportation consultant George Barton who ostensibly aimed to protect existing neighborhoods:

"He said, 'According to his expertise, low property values along this route are a clue that this strip of land may be a logical dividing line between communities.'"
[10:31]

However, systemic racism permeates Barton's analysis, as Dr. Ernest Lloyd notes the absence of racial considerations in the report's recommendations:

"Not a single person in that hearing looked like me. They were all white."
[11:22]

This disconnect underscores the racial biases embedded within urban planning decisions, where the veneer of economic rationale masks underlying racial motivations.

Personal Accounts and Community Impact

Greg McMore, a long-time resident, shares firsthand experiences of his family's home being demolished for I35W:

"The freeway had a profound impact on the old south side community."
[04:38]

Residents recount the loss of vital community institutions and the ensuing socio-economic decline:

"Bernice Tinsley Carter remembered how her school changed after the freeway came through. 'The street split us to where the dividing line at that time became the highway. So then you had to go to whatever school was on that side and whatever school was on this side. So your school friends are gone.'"
[21:07]

These narratives highlight the erosion of social cohesion and the isolation imposed by the freeway, effectively segregating the community and diminishing its vibrancy.

Clementine Robinson: Legacy and Loss

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Clementine Robinson’s final years and untimely death. Despite her active role in the community, Clementine passed away without a headstone:

"After a lifetime of work and struggle and joy and resilience, this trailblazing woman had no marker of her life or her death."
[30:01]

Eric discovers Clementine’s will, which reveals her modest bequests and a mysterious diamond ring left to a "friend" named Leola Davis:

"I give and bequeath to my friend Leola Davis one small diamond ring."
[30:39]

Through extensive research, Eric identifies Leola Davis as Lenora Davis, a childhood neighbor. Despite their efforts, the whereabouts of the ring remain unresolved, adding another layer of mystery to Clementine’s story.

Further investigation reveals that Clementine’s house was never passed down to her nephew, Leon Brown, due to a "clawback" policy associated with her old age assistance:

"As soon as the home is sold upon death, then it is recouped. Some people call it a clawback because... the county and the state are clawing back what they paid."
[36:05]

This financial maneuver stripped Clementine of her assets posthumously, leaving her estate empty and symbolizing the systemic dispossession faced by many black individuals at the time.

Systemic Racism and Long-Term Effects

Dr. Ernest Lloyd emphasizes the divisive intent behind freeway construction:

"They always said to communities impacted by freeways... 'We're engineers. We know what's best for you.'"
[15:10]

Greg D'Onofrio draws parallels to the Berlin Wall, illustrating how I35W functioned as a physical and symbolic barrier enforcing racial segregation:

"I don't see there being much difference between that and the Berlin Wall between West Germany and East Germany."
[23:11]

The freeway not only isolated communities but also significantly contributed to economic disparities that persist in Minneapolis today.

Community Responses and Reflections

At "Southside Back in the Day," Eric and Melissa engage with former residents who reflect on the lasting impact of the freeway:

"Many families moved to the suburbs, which was a privilege not equally accessible to all. The freeway enabled white families to commute and thrive, while black families were left confined to an impoverished area."
[24:44]

Bill Wells poses a poignant question during community meetings:

"We need to understand the history, but the important thing is, what are we going to do moving forward?"
[41:23]

This call to action challenges listeners to transcend mere historical understanding and engage in meaningful efforts to rectify long-standing racial injustices.

Legacy and Call to Action

Suki Dardarian, Editor and Senior Vice President at the Minnesota Star Tribune, underscores the importance of the Robinsons' story in fostering community dialogue and understanding:

"This story provides a window through which we can view their lives, their neighborhood, their city, and in doing so, it gives us that context to build a stronger community today."
[43:35]

Eric echoes this sentiment, advocating for empathy and informed action:

"Walk through the world with a much better context, and it's going to give you more empathy. It's going to give you more understanding."
[42:31]

The episode concludes with a reflection on the persistent racial disparities in Minneapolis and the necessity for continued community engagement and policy reform to address these inequities.

Notable Quotes

• Melissa Townsend (00:26):
  "The Negro is not understood and few are willing to take a little time and learn about it."

• Dr. Ernest Lloyd (11:22):
  "Where do I go? What could happen to me and my Children, who cares about us? We pay taxes, but who cares about us?"

• Greg McMore (23:11):
  "I don't see there being much difference between that and the Berlin Wall between West Germany and East Germany."

• T.J. Jones (21:07):
  "I was on a championship football team and a championship track team."

• Bill Wells (41:23):
  "We need to understand the history, but the important thing is, what are we going to do moving forward?"

Conclusion

"The Dividing Line" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with historical analysis to illuminate the intricate ways in which systemic racism and urban planning have shaped Minneapolis. Through the lens of Harry and Clementine Robinson's lives, Eric Roper not only honors their legacy but also invites listeners to reflect on and address the enduring racial challenges in their own communities. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding history to inform and inspire future actions toward equity and inclusion.

For more in-depth information, visuals, and community discussion guides, visit the Ghost of a Chance website.

Reported by Eric Roper, Written and Produced by Melissa Townsend