Virginia’s Universities and the Legacy of Eminent Domain

Virginia’s universities stand as pillars of knowledge and opportunity, yet beneath their impressive facades lies a complex and often overlooked history of displacement and racial injustice. For decades, eminent domain—a legal power intended for public good—was wielded in ways that uprooted thriving Black neighborhoods to fuel campus expansions. Now, families affected by these actions are seeking restorative justice and accountability, challenging us to confront an uncomfortable past and envision a more equitable future.

The Historical Context of Eminent Domain in Virginia

In mid-20th century Virginia, the expansion of public universities such as Old Dominion University (ODU), Christopher Newport University (CNU), and Longwood University often came at a tremendous cost. Eminent domain, typically associated with infrastructure and public projects, was frequently applied to acquire land predominantly from historically Black communities. Neighborhoods like Shoe Lane in Newport News—a vibrant, middle-class Black enclave filled with homes, churches, and schools—were razed to make way for growing campuses. While eminent domain itself is a tool that can serve public interests, its application here disproportionately displaced Black families, stripping them not only of property but of deep-rooted cultural and economic foundations.

These displacements were far from equitable. Families were seldom compensated fairly, if at all, and community relationships were fractured without regard to the human impact. The narrative was framed as “progress” and “development,” yet it overlooked the systemic nature of racial injustice underpinning these decisions. The vibrancy and legacy of Black neighborhoods were silenced under layers of bureaucratic language and legal maneuvering.

Uncovering the Past: The Formation of the State Commission

It took until 2024 for Virginia to officially acknowledge and investigate these painful chapters. A 19-member state commission, appointed by the General Assembly and led by Delegate Delores McQuinn—a staunch advocate for justice—was established to thoroughly examine the use of eminent domain by Virginia’s public universities and its devastating impact on Black communities.

This commission is meticulously reviewing archives, property records, and conducting interviews with descendants of displaced families to reconstruct the full scope of this history. Their goals are ambitious yet necessary:

• Documenting all property acquisitions tied to campus expansions to ensure these stories are recorded and recognized.
• Identifying families and descendants affected by these displacements.
• Exploring meaningful avenues for compensation that transcend financial settlements.
• Facilitating restorative justice initiatives including formal apologies, community reinvestment, and opportunities for healing.

The commission’s work underscores that this is not mere bureaucratic formality; it is a commitment to reckoning with the past and fostering genuine reconciliation.

The Importance of Restorative Justice

Restorative justice here is critical. It moves beyond transactional reparations toward healing the deep wounds these displacements inflicted. When Black families lost their homes, they also lost cultural heritage, social networks, and generational wealth—losses that ripple through time and affect current and future generations.

Restorative justice advocates call for comprehensive measures such as:

• Sincere public apologies from universities and state officials acknowledging the harm inflicted.
• Development of scholarships and housing programs aimed specifically at descendants of displaced families, ensuring access to education and stable housing is a right, not a consolation.
• Educational initiatives including museums, memorials, and curricula that preserve and teach the history of these erased Black neighborhoods.
• Creation of forums and community dialogues to foster understanding, accountability, and actual healing—not just symbolic gestures.

Without acknowledgment and a commitment to substantive action, efforts risk becoming performative. True restorative justice demands real investment and respect for the voices of those whose lives were disrupted.

Community Voices and the Path Forward

From elders who recall with mixed sorrow and pride the communities lost, to younger generations reclaiming identity and space, the collective voices of those affected resonate strongly. Community leaders like Jasmine Carter emphasize that this fight is about respect, recognition, and genuine investment—not empty promises or superficial acknowledgments.

The commission’s findings and recommendations mark a critical beginning. Legislative reforms, potential reparations funding, and university-led initiatives focused on embracing displaced communities rather than erasing them are all on the horizon. While challenges remain, other institutions’ examples show that healing and reconciliation are possible when faced with honesty and humility.

For Virginia, the journey is just starting. Yet, this reckoning offers hope for rebuilding community foundations once fractured by misguided ‘progress.’

A Vision for Justice and Equity in Virginia

Virginia’s legacy as a center of education must expand to include justice and equity. The new state commission’s work is more than a historical review—it is a beacon for restorative justice, aimed at repairing damage, restoring dignity, and ensuring that Black communities are no longer the casualties of growth. The future envisioned is one where every community can thrive with respect and opportunity.

Understanding this history is essential if we wish to build a fairer, brighter Virginia. The lessons from these displaced neighborhoods serve as a powerful reminder: progress that erases people is no progress at all.

Recommended Resources

• Virginia Public Media: Virginia Universities and Black Communities
• WHRO’s Uprooted Series
• ProPublica: Displacement by Virginia Universities
• Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism