African American Heritage Walking Tour of Historic Southeast Lancaster

Join Strong Towns Lancaster for a historical walking tour of African American history and urban renewal in southeast Lancaster, PA.
About this Event

The Southeast Area tour highlights that liberation is up to African Americans, whose experiences represent a complex connection to their past—both the trauma of enslavement and the resilience of their heritage.

This tour brings to life the triumph of the African American community as it built a culture of service, faith, and social activism, alongside the tragedy of Urban Renewal, which saw the demolition of 14 square blocks of thriving businesses, churches, and civic associations.

The fabric of the community was ruptured as individual homes were replaced with public housing and vibrant community spaces were obliterated. This tour traces the life stream and economic castration of that community, which was attacked by the policy of Urban Renewal, but which has not been forgotten or erased.