West Oakland, once a vibrant hub for Black culture and community, has seen its identity altered by economic forces tied to global trade. With the rise of container shipping in the 1960s, the Port of Oakland became a major player in the economy, but the prioritization of industrial development sacrificed the residential parts of the community. In 'The Pacific Circuit', Alexis Madrigal examines these impacts, revealing how pollution from the port and surrounding industries has led to chronic health issues for residents, underscoring the hidden costs of progress.
West Oakland, once bustling with Black life, became overshadowed by industrial growth, as city planners prioritized the port expansion over residents’ health and community well-being.
In The Pacific Circuit, Alexis Madrigal details how the economic forces connecting Oakland to global trade have drastically transformed West Oakland, not necessarily for the better.
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