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Charleston is changing so rapidly.  For those of us old-timers who grew up in the Black community on the Charleston Peninsula, amazement has set in.  Neighborhoods that were solid Black since we can remember in the 1950’s are now being renovated and spruced up, and now house White people.  Imagine that!  My childhood friends who come back to visit go nuts when driving down Spring Street, they notice a blond headed young lady step out of Rose Lane!  You must realize, of course, that we grew up in the segregated South.   

I recently spent an hour in my old neighborhood, where I rode my bike and roller skated as a child.  I parked on Orr’s Court, behind what used to be A.B. Rhett Elementary School, now part of the Burke High School Campus.  I walked a few blocks in the area with my camera.  Childhood scenes and memories came flooding back.  I shot photos of many of the Freedman’s Cottages in the area, which pretty much indicated to me that the area has been a Black neighborhood since our people became free, and thus built Freedman’s Cottages.  I have been particularly looking for houses that have not yet been renovated, but are still occupied.  For some reason, they call out to me.  This house on Ashton Street, in the area we always called “Back Da Green” made me pull my car over and get out to admire it and take photos as reference material for this painting. 

I hope I’m not complaining about all the much-needed improvements.  Neighborhoods do indeed look much more attractive.  I guess I am trying to save these structures, as least in my own mind, before they begin to look too “picture perfect!”  On second thought, maybe I’m subconsciously trying to save the knowledge and presence of Black people in Charleston, before they are forced to move out because they can’t afford to stay.