The 620 square-mile section of land that makes up Oklahoma City has seen a large variety of developments in its relatively young history but the northeast quadrant of this land mass has failed to gain the attention of developers and city officials for much of that history.

From its initial role, the “east side” was simply a place for the city to confine its black residents. Because of this designation, it did not hold much value politically or economically to those in power.

In addition to the lack of private development, the northeast was routinely neglected and underrepresented when it came to matters of municipal investment. Failing infrastructure and a well known, often applauded, history of civic disregard made redlining all but inevitable for any banks that had not already adopted the practice.

This underdevelopment of the northeast side, paired with several booms in development in other areas of the metro, has rendered the city a microcosm of the US during the 19th century in its period of westward expansion. Reduced land availability alongside government incentives even casts potential developers as settlers in this modern re-enactment.

The only discernible differences are the paradox that our frontier is quite literally in the opposite direction and that the rush is being fueled by the prospect of land as opposed to gold.

This area has such a deep history marred by scars of hate and bigotry but it would be remiss to paint this portrait of the past without adding the vibrant colors that make up the heroes who endured such a history.

Roscoe Dunjee, Clara Luper, Frances & W.J. Edwards and many others never allowed these conditions to break them but met the opposition with peace, compassion, and civility. They abode in the undesirable land they were confined to, established communities within it, and filled it with rich culture.

The smallest of their accomplishments was leaving a blueprint for how to make the most of the least and the best of the worst.