In a Philadelphia Inquirer article discussing the future of urban planning in Philadelphia, I was quoted sharing my vision for what I call “Sankofa planning,” an approach that uses Black history as a guide for shaping the city’s future. As a professor and director of Justice and Belonging Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, I emphasized the importance of integrating Black culture into the city’s streetscape, asking, “How can the binoculars of Black culture make its way out into the streetscape?”
I envision urban design elements like stoops for gathering, and iconography and signage that invite exploration of Black heritage. With Philadelphia restarting its comprehensive urban design plan, I see this as an opportunity to reset the city on an antiracist foundation. Serving as a member of the Philadelphia Art Commission, I believe this is a pivotal moment to expand the concept of “what deserves to be planned around and what deserves to be planned for,” ensuring that the city’s future design is inclusive and reflective of its diverse communities.
READ: https://www.inquirer.com/news/inq2/more-perfect-union-city-planning-inequality-parks-transit-water-20221206.html?outputType=default
