Our Story
Introducing New Hill
In mid 2017, a group of African Americans from the business community were brought together by two city council members to answer the question, “why are there no Black led development companies actively building for Charlottesville’s black community?” This question inevitably led to questions of “what, why, where and how” and so began our journey to the creation of an African American led community development corporation. New Hill is inspired by the legacy of Vinegar Hill, a once thriving, mixed development, Black community in Charlottesville that was razed in the 1960’s. The destruction of Vinegar Hill has had lasting consequences for the African American community of Charlottesville and has hindered equitable prosperity within the community for decades.
Charlottesville is undergoing significant growth and development and it is imperative that the Black community be actively included in this process. Development in Charlottesville has generally not favored the Black community, therefore it's time for more members of the Black community to take on leadership roles at all development levels, and New Hill is here to bring in everyone's voice It's time to be the developers. Talking is no longer sufficient; we must reclaim our sense of community, rebuild our appropriated assets, and celebrate our history and culture. We believe that New Hill, guided by the needs stated by the Black Community, can begin to restore what was lost.
The History of Vinegar Hill, Charlottesville
On the eve of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans constituted the majority (52.2%) of the population in Charlottesville and the surrounding areas. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, the neighborhood of “Vinegar Hill” became a focal point for African American residential and social life as well as an economic center for black-owned businesses. In the 1960’s, the City’s plan for “urban renewal” razed several African American neighborhoods including Vinegar Hill, destroying hundreds of homes, dozens of businesses and displacing thousands. The value of Vinegar Hill land today – just the percentage that was owned by African Americans – is estimated at $80-100 million.
With the loss of these assets – businesses, homes, and land – generations of African American families have been unable to pass on and grow wealth from one generation to the next. Many residents were moved into housing projects, trapping people in a cycle of rent-controlled poverty. The fracturing of black communities suppressed strong community ties, leadership, movement building and political participation. Today, over 50 years later, the former Vinegar Hill remains largely underdeveloped. The violence of August 2017 may have amplified our current situation to others, but the destruction of Vinegar Hill represents the full history of our ongoing social crisis. The lack of reconciliation and restoration on the part local government and the broader community of Charlottesville has led to a lack of trust among the African American population and a lack of confidence in the efficacy of their civic participation efforts.
We believe that the root cause of the marginalization experienced by Charlottesville’s African American population today is inseparable from its history. By cutting off access to home ownership and business ownership, two of the strongest wealth building avenues were effectively closed off. In addition, the social and cultural capital that was lost when these residents were uprooted has torn at the fabric of mutual support found in a healthy community.
It's time to change that.
Vision
Expanding economic opportunities that redefine wealth for a thriving Black community.
Mission
We will expand economic opportunities to grow wealth and home ownership in the Charlottesville Black community through financial coaching, entrepreneurial support, economic development and asset building.
The New Hill Difference
We believe through, increasing the capacity of one’s financial capability , development and growth of Black owned businesses, and affordable home ownership, the Black community of Charlottesville can truly prosper. With the legacy of Vinegar Hill as our inspiration, African Americans championing the vision, and access to support, assets, and resources from our partners, we can create the opportunity for considerable wealth building and greater participation in the lived experience of Charlottesville.