Lisa Nelson-Haynes

Lisa’s Redline Project is a digital storytelling and community engagement initiative that explores the effects of redlining that began in the mid-1970s. Redlining, the practice of discrimination in selling or renting in certain areas, set the groundwork for the gentrification of a portion of South Philadelphia – south of the former Graduate Hospital neighborhood, extending to Point Breeze. This gentrification continues to displace South Philadelphia’s low to middle income, historically African American community. Lisa will coordinate and facilitate a series of community story circles in key locations in the area. They stories will be recorded and the group will reconvene to share the stories to the larger community. Lisa has familial connections to the community and believes it is crucial to create spaces for honest engagement to address growing tensions due to a shift in demographics, and to document the community’s rich cultural history.