Podcast Summary: "Highways Destroy Black Neighborhoods"

Podcast Information:

• Title: My Momma Told Me
• Hosts: Langston Kerman and David Borie
• Guest: Rachel Pegram
• Release Date: March 11, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Highways Destroy Black Neighborhoods," hosts Langston Kerman and David Borie delve into a profound and impactful conspiracy theory presented by guest Rachel Pegram. The discussion explores the hypothesis that the development of highways in the United States was intentionally designed to dismantle and devastate Black communities, thereby perpetuating systemic racism and economic disparity.

Guest Introduction

Rachel Pegram, an emerging voice in the discourse on urban planning and racial injustice, joins the hosts to shed light on her theory. With a background rooted in community activism and historical research, Rachel brings a personal and scholarly perspective to the conversation.

Presentation of the Conspiracy Theory

Rachel introduces the central premise of her theory, linking the construction of highways to the systematic destruction of Black neighborhoods across major and minor cities alike.

• Highway Act of 1956: Rachel references the Highway Act of 1956 as a pivotal moment where infrastructure development decisions disproportionately favored White communities. She explains, "[13:20]... the Highway Act of 1956 was brought forward to connect cities, but there were multiple routing options that could have bypassed Black neighborhoods. However, the decision was made to route highways directly through these communities."

• Impact on Black Communities: She highlights how highways led to the decline of thriving Black neighborhoods by disrupting local economies, displacing residents, and fragmenting community cohesion. Rachel states, "[13:54]... every time a stadium is built, it decimates a Black community, leading to economic and social disintegration."

Discussion and Analysis

The hosts engage deeply with Rachel's theory, unpacking the historical and socio-economic layers involved.

• Historical Context: Leah adds, "[14:27]... my dad, who was 83 years old, witnessed the impact of highways on Black neighborhoods firsthand. He recalls how schools and homes were torn apart to make way for these infrastructure projects."

• Systemic Racism: David probes the racial motivations behind highway placements, questioning whether these actions were purely based on logistical decisions or if there was an underlying agenda to suppress Black prosperity. He remarks, "[18:31]... it's straight-up race. The highways were intentionally routed through Black neighborhoods, showing a blatant disregard for their well-being."

• Government Policies: The conversation shifts to recent governmental efforts to rectify these historical injustices. Rachel mentions, "[17:48]... Joe Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure bill allocated $20 billion to address the intentional destruction caused by highways, aiming to rebuild and support affected communities."

Host and Guest Insights

Langston and David share their reflections and personal connections to the topic, emphasizing the ongoing ramifications of these historical decisions.

• Personal Narratives: Leah shares a poignant story from her hometown, Denton, Texas, where the Klan burned down Black schools, forcing an entire community to relocate. She says, "[39:09]... in Denton, the Klan burned down our local high school for Black children, forcing families to move overnight and destroying our community's foundation."

• Integration vs. Segregation Debate: The hosts debate alternative solutions that could have preserved Black neighborhoods. Rachel argues, "[32:04]... integration was presented as the only option, but there were alternatives that could have allowed Black communities to thrive without being displaced."

• Economic Disparities: They discuss how the destruction of Black neighborhoods contributed to long-term economic disparities, leading to reduced property values, loss of businesses, and limited access to essential services.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflective discussion on the enduring legacy of highway construction in perpetuating racial inequality. Rachel emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing these historical injustices to pave the way for genuine community rebuilding and empowerment.

• Call to Action: Rachel urges listeners to become informed and involved in efforts to restore and support affected Black neighborhoods. She states, "[47:06]... understanding this history is crucial for creating equitable policies that prevent such injustices from recurring."

• Final Thoughts: Langston wraps up the conversation by acknowledging the depth of the issue and the necessity for continued dialogue and action. He remarks, "[47:54]... building awareness is the first step towards meaningful change, ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated."

Notable Quotes

• Rachel Pegram [13:20]: "The Highway Act of 1956 was brought forward to connect cities, but there were multiple routing options that could have bypassed Black neighborhoods. However, the decision was made to route highways directly through these communities."

• Leah [14:27]: "My dad, who was 83 years old, witnessed the impact of highways on Black neighborhoods firsthand. He recalls how schools and homes were torn apart to make way for these infrastructure projects."

• David Bore [18:31]: "It's straight-up race. The highways were intentionally routed through Black neighborhoods, showing a blatant disregard for their well-being."

• Rachel Pegram [47:06]: "Understanding this history is crucial for creating equitable policies that prevent such injustices from recurring."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "My Momma Told Me" offers a critical examination of urban development policies and their role in sustaining racial inequalities. Through Rachel Pegram's compelling narrative and the hosts' insightful dialogue, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how infrastructure decisions have long-lasting impacts on marginalized communities. The conversation underscores the importance of historical awareness in shaping a more just and equitable future.