The Erasure of a Black Sense of Place for Capital Accumulation: The Case of Little Jamaica

Abstract

Little Jamaica, a Black community in North-Western Toronto, has been a site of belonging for members of the Caribbean and African diaspora for more than 70 years. However, the community is on the brink of erasure due to the multi-billion-dollar Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Due to the denial of Little Jamaica as a heritage conservation district, the city has allowed for its destruction for capital accumulation. By exploring the complex relationship between a Black sense of place, urban planning and capital interests, this paper will examine the distressing case of Little Jamaica. In order to protect Black communities and support Black futures, we must challenge systemic anti-Blackness in urban planning.