The Northeastern University Libraries Archives and Special Collections approached contributing to the call of materials related to “race and space” by curating materials that provided evidence of successful community action against urban renewal in Boston. Our selections emphasized the work of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA, Puerto Rican Tenants in Action) of the South End. They created their own neighborhood renewal plan to avoid developments which would have would have displaced current residents. IBA’s records tell the long story of activism to shift the outcome of urban renewal from displacement to community-based development.
Visitors looking to view Boston archival material featured in the exhibit can find a long tabletop where the archival images are projected. The table is intended for both display and impromptu conversations and engagement. Stools surround the table for seated discussions, and visitors are invited to bring their own laptop to contribute their own material for projected display.
For more information on the exhibit visit: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/exhibition/urban-intermedia-city-archive-narrative/
To read more about the records of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción visit: https://latinohistory.library.northeastern.edu/