Today, we made a visit to the Hill District!
After taking the bus there, we met with Terri Baltimore, our host and historical expert, who gave us a whole background of the history and development of the up and coming Hill District. Terri’s tour of the Hill District highlighted a complex and deeply rooted narrative—one shaped by systemic injustice, community resilience, and the enduring struggle for equity. From our discussion with her, I learnt that community engagement was the driving force in bringing culture and diversity to light in the area. One story that was intriguing was the mural of August Wilson. It was repainted three times over because the locals could not recognize the man in the painting- emphasizing how important it is to stay true and authentic. When local resident are empowered to seek change and create a difference, their efforts will always come to fruition. This was evident in the beautiful murals painted, the bright and vibrant buildings, and the consistent reconstruction efforts occurring in the area. When there’s a will, there’s a way, and that is clear in the way that the Hill District community operates and comes together. I could not recall a moment when Terri wasn’t smiling at a passerby or saying hello to a friend throughout our visit, strengthening the importance of camaraderie and most importantly, friendship. People even stopped by to share their knowledge of the history on certain buildings or eras.
The neighborhood’s reputation and image has evolved over the years, which I found very surprising. Terri informed us that people used to spread the word to stay out of the Hill District. Though it has now significantly improved, the area still faces significant challenges. Recently, the grocery stores in the area closed down. Rather than staying relevant, the grocery store tried to implement the successes of outside stores to a demographic it did not cater to, resulting in its downfall. This presents hardships in residents’ daily lives, needing to commute far for a simple grocery trip. The misuse of a good business model, as well as, not working with the community present can pose long-term challenges, a lesson we can take away from today.
This story is a reminder that community is not just a collection of buildings or statistics – it’s about people, stories, and shared futures. The Hill District’s experience shows that with dignity, investment, and partnership, even places marked by trauma can become models of resilience. The most effective community development is not about “saving” a neighborhood, but about working with the people who already live there to support what they are already trying to build.
It challenges us to ask: Are we building with the community, or on top of it? And what legacy do we want our work to leave behind?
On that note, we also had two birthdays in the house! We celebrated Sol and Ian with a small party and a cookie cake!
