The Architecture of Erasure

"The Architecture of Erasure" traces the story of James Cornelius Saunders, a Black federal employee who achieved success through merit but faced systemic efforts to dismantle his achievements during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency. The narrative explores how policies and architecture contributed to the erasure of Black progress and homes, spanning from 1913 to 2020. Through a dual timeline, historian Marcus Webb uncovers the hidden history of his great-great-grandfather’s life and the enduring impact of racial injustice.