Freeway Displacement
Sadly, the leadership of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center and the close relationships amongst the members of the Rondo community could not ward off the construction of I-94, a project that was considered progress to many, but was devastating to Rondo.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, I-94 replaced Rondo Avenue, leading many families to be displaced. Displacement was already an inconvenience, but with a discriminatory housing market on top of it, it was nearly unbearable.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, I-94 replaced Rondo Avenue, leading many families to be displaced. Displacement was already an inconvenience, but with a discriminatory housing market on top of it, it was nearly unbearable.
"I watched my house and the backyard I played in being torn down. I saw the whole neighborhood ripped up, and it was like it never existed...all those wonderful events, people and places that existed prior to 1959." -William Finney
As residents moved out of Rondo, many businesses were unable to survive and were forced to close as well, and churches suffered too. During this period of instability, the Hallie Q. Brown Community struggled to help residents, but there was little anyone could do. This perhaps resulted in a loss in confidence in the Hallie Q. Brown Center, a blow from which it could never recover.
Alice Onque, director of the Hallie at the time, was appointed to a housing committee by the governor and she also assisted a professor in a study of the displacement effects of the freeway. The damage was done though, and Rondo would never be the same.
Alice Onque, director of the Hallie at the time, was appointed to a housing committee by the governor and she also assisted a professor in a study of the displacement effects of the freeway. The damage was done though, and Rondo would never be the same.