Samantha Dorm is shedding light on York, New York’s forgotten Black history with an innovative app, sparking curiosity and concern about the city’s historical landmarks. Her app, part of the Paved Over Prominence project, uncovers the stories of Black communities that once thrived in York but have since been replaced by parking lots. Dorm’s initiative raises the question: Were these changes part of a broader effort to erase important parts of Black history?
The Paved Over Prominence Project Brings History to Life
Dorm launched the Paved Over Prominence project after uncovering the lost history of York’s Black community. She discovered that several former Black businesses and community spaces had been replaced by parking lots, including areas once listed in the Green Book, a historic guide for Black travelers during segregation. In partnership with Vision Solutions AR, led by Andy Lynch, Dorm developed an interactive app that uses augmented reality (AR) to bring these hidden stories to life.
The app allows users to explore York’s neighborhoods by simply pointing their phones or tablets at different locations. Real-time camera views overlay with historical text, images, and artwork, giving users a glimpse into the past. Dorm’s aim is to educate and encourage people to learn about the forgotten contributions of York’s Black community.
Revealing Key Neighborhoods and Historical Landmarks
Through the app, users can explore two key neighborhoods in York that were once home to thriving Black communities. One area includes North Duke and East Philadelphia streets, while the other focuses on West Princess, Beaver Streets, and Pershing Avenue. The latter was home to the Moravian Church, which, after it dissolved in 1905, became the city’s only playground for Black children.
The park hosted boxing matches that attracted large crowds, sometimes between 400 and 600 people. This vibrant spot was also led by Johanna “Aunt Jo” Harris, a trailblazer who founded York’s first Girl Scouts chapter for Black girls. Today, however, the park has been replaced by a parking lot. The app allows users to virtually see the boxing ring that once stood on the site, connecting the past with the present.
Uncovering York’s Hidden Legacy
Dorm’s research into York’s Black history began with her involvement in the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery in 2019. As she dug deeper into the town’s past, she was amazed by the resilience of York’s African-American community. Despite facing numerous challenges, these families achieved remarkable success. However, much of their history was erased when their former homes and landmarks were replaced.
“I personally didn’t know this history,” Dorm explained. “Learning about the accomplishments of York’s African-American community, even during the worst of times, is just amazing.”
The Question of Intentional Erasure
A central question raised by Dorm is whether the demolition of these historical sites was intentional. “Was it just that the properties were dilapidated, or was there a deliberate effort to pave over sites important to the Black community?” Dorm said. While the answer may never be clear, her app encourages the public to think critically about these changes and their impact on York’s cultural landscape.
A Personal Connection to York’s Black History
Samantha Dorm’s connection to York’s Black history is personal. Her ancestors were part of the pioneering Black families who migrated to York from South Carolina in search of better opportunities. This deep-rooted history gave her the motivation to uncover and preserve the stories of the Black families who once called York home.
“A lot of the places where prominent Black families lived, loved, and worshipped are now parking lots,” Dorm said. This profound loss inspired her to call the project “Paved Over Prominence,” emphasizing how vital parts of Black history were hidden beneath layers of asphalt.
A Call to Action: Remembering and Honoring the Past
Through her app, Samantha Dorm hopes to raise awareness of the importance of preserving history, especially for communities that have been marginalized. By highlighting the achievements of York’s Black residents, Dorm believes it’s possible to honor the past while also learning from it. The Paved Over Prominence project serves as a reminder that history, especially Black history, deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
