What is the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation?

Building a Brighter Future, Honoring Our Past

The Africatown Redevelopment Corporation (ARC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the Africatown Historic District in order to preserve its rich history, revitalize housing, and attract and develop commerce. Located in Mobile, Alabama, Africatown was founded in the 19th century by a group of West African slaves who were brought to the United States on the last known slave ship, the Clotilda.

A "wide house" in Africatown. "Wide houses" were considered to be a house that was about 32 feet in width

Despite facing significant challenges over the years, the Africatown community has remained resilient, and the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation is committed to building on that resilience in order to create a brighter future for the community. Through a variety of initiatives, the organization is working to promote economic development, improve housing conditions, and preserve the unique cultural heritage of Africatown.

Revitalizing Housing

One of the key focuses of the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation is on revitalizing housing in the area. The organization recognizes the importance of safe, affordable housing for building strong communities, and is working to develop and promote a range of housing options that meet the needs of residents.

Preserving History

At the same time, the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation is also dedicated to preserving the rich history of Africatown. From the historic homes and buildings in the area to the stories of the community's founders and residents, there is much to be celebrated and preserved. Through partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, the organization is working to ensure that the history of Africatown is not lost to time.

Community members pause for a photo during the MLK Africatown Litter Clean Up.

Attracting and Developing Commerce

Finally, the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation is committed to attracting and developing commerce in the area. By promoting economic development and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive, the organization hopes to create a brighter future for the Africatown community.

Overall, the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation is an important force for positive change in the Africatown Historic District. Through its work to revitalize housing, preserve history, and attract and develop commerce, the organization is helping to create a brighter future for the community and ensure that its unique cultural heritage is preserved for generations to come.

We invite you to join us on our mission. Learn more about what we do and what's coming us next by attending our board meetings held on the first Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. at the Robert Hope Community Center located at 850 Edwards St, Mobile, AL 36610.