560- Home on the Range | 99% Invisible

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible” titled “Home on the Range,” the podcast explores the story of Lincoln Heights, Ohio, a historically black self-governed town that has been plagued by the constant noise of an open-air gun range owned by the Cincinnati Police Department. The episode delves into the town’s founding, the challenges it has faced, and the ongoing struggle to address the environmental and racial injustice caused by the gun range.

Main Takeaways

Historical Context and Foundation of Lincoln Heights

• Lincoln Heights, Ohio is a small, quiet residential place that seems far from the bustle of the city, even though it’s just 13 miles north of Cincinnati.
• Lincoln Heights is the first black self-governed town north of the Mason-Dixon line founded almost a century ago with ambitions of creating a place where black people could live free from the racism and violence they experienced elsewhere.
• The founders faced heavy resistance from white county leadership and neighboring suburbs who were afraid of an expansive black community.

The Plight of Lincoln Heights

• The majority of Lincoln Heights residents live below the poverty line, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
• Whites waged a relentless campaign to keep blacks from acquiring industrial lands, including an open-air gun range critical to Lincoln Heights’ development.
• The constant noise from the nearby gun range has contributed to the devaluing of the community, with residents struggling with the nerve-rattling chaos of constant gunfire.

The Impact of the Gun Range on Lincoln Heights

• The gun range is huge, the size of about 22 football fields, and the cops use it about 300 days out of the year.
• Sustained loud noise can cause cognitive impairment, chronic stress, hypertension, and hearing loss.
• Residents of Mariana Terrace experience constant noise, making it difficult to work from home and get rest.

The Fight for Change

• Durandt and Ruby of Lincoln Heights have been fighting against the government-owned gun range causing health problems in their town.
• Cincinnati lawmakers were not aware of the issue because it did not affect their residents, leading to inaction.
• Cincinnati police agree to relocate gun range after City Council hearing, new location in less densely populated township, expansion plans in the works.

Summary

Historical Context and Foundation of Lincoln Heights

Lincoln Heights, Ohio, was founded in the 1920s by a group of black migrants who aimed to create their own community and govern their own space. Despite facing resistance from white county leadership and neighboring suburbs, they established Lincoln Heights as the first black self-governed town north of the Mason-Dixon line. The founders’ vision was to create a place where black people could live free from racism and violence.

The Plight of Lincoln Heights

Lincoln Heights has faced ongoing challenges, with the majority of its residents living below the poverty line. Whites in the surrounding areas waged a campaign to prevent the acquisition of industrial lands by black residents, including an open-air gun range critical to Lincoln Heights’ development. This constant noise from the gun range has contributed to the devaluation of the community, making it difficult for residents to find peace and stability in their own homes.

The Impact of the Gun Range on Lincoln Heights

The gun range, owned by the Cincinnati Police Department, is massive in size and heavily used by the police force. The constant noise from the gun range has led to cognitive impairment, chronic stress, hypertension, and hearing loss among residents. Those living in Mariana Terrace, a public housing complex, bear the brunt of the gunfire due to the amplification caused by the gun range’s wall. The intensity of the noise varies depending on the type of weapons being used, and this constant gunfire is intimidating for the community.

The Fight for Change

Residents of Lincoln Heights, led by individuals like Durandt and Ruby, have been fighting for years to address the environmental and racial injustice caused by the gun range. They reached out to US Senator Sherrod Brown for support and federal funding to relocate the gun range. The urgency of the issue increased during the COVID-19 pandemic when residents were forced to stay at home with constant gunfire. The death of George Floyd and subsequent protests further spurred the community to rally and demand action. After a City Council hearing, Cincinnati police agreed to relocate the gun range to a less densely populated township, with plans for expansion in the works.

Conclusion

The story of Lincoln Heights and its struggle against the constant noise and environmental injustice caused by the nearby gun range is a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents. Despite the challenges they have faced, the community has come together to fight for change and hold those in power accountable. The relocation of the gun range marks a significant step forward, but the fight for justice and equality continues. The closure of the gun range will not only bring relief to the residents of Lincoln Heights but also symbolize the end of a struggle that has been passed down through generations.