I-496 project's impact on Black history

By Abby Cowels
Staff Writer

The Historical Society of Greater Lansing (HSGL) will present its 2023 documentary “Pave the Way: They Even Took the Dirt” on Tuesday, Feb. 27 starting at 2:10 p.m.

A collaboration with LCC Historians at the Movies, the film illustrates the impacts made by the construction of Highway I-496 on local Black neighborhoods and businesses.

Communities were ravaged and divided by the I-496 project in the late 1960s. Houses were lost and shops were torn down. Once thriving communities were depleted of their liveliness.

Following the hour-long documentary, there will be a discussion and Q&A. The discussion group will be led by LCC History Professor David Siwik, film coordinator Greta Haney-Trice and film editor Craig Jones.

The event will be held in Dart Auditorium, located at 500 N. Capitol Ave. on LCC’s main campus. Students, staff, faculty and the community are welcome to attend. There is no admission charge, and there will be free parking for attendees in the Gannon ramp.

That same Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m., there will be an open conversation titled “Tangled Roots: A Conversation on the Significance of African American Women’s Hair.” The conversation will be about the vibrant history and great cultural significance of African American women’s hair.

For a list of the events held all February long celebrating Black History Month, visit the LCC Events Calendar. For more information on “Pave the Way,” click here, and for more on LCC’s Historians at the Movies visit here.