Andrew W. Kahrl

According to Andrew Kahrl, the property tax has been used to disposs black homeowners since the 19th century.

On both sides of the color line, to own one’s home remains synonymous with freedom—even as real estate has proven itself to be relentlessly unequal.

The long arc of racist plunder through local tax codes is shocking—or, well, maybe it’s not, really.

Black homeowners have been an oft ignored actor in metropolitan history despite playing a central role.

The long history of promising an “efficient” federal government. 

The expansion of higher education in Virginia uprooted hundreds of black families.

“If the public pool isn’t available and open, you don’t swim.”

Historical traces of racism and exclusion remain on the island. It’s just that new residents can’t—or won’t—read them.