As a continuation into the dive of gentrification within Frederick, MD from my Blackness as a portal class I was introduced to the importance of storytelling to preserve history for minorities. But the ideals and acts of gentrification show how the view on progress has omitted the previous history of those that are not profitable to build on. So, the act of erasure with the false promise of progress begins to build with no foundation and loss of connection.

Where is Home started as a photo book of storytelling from my grandmother’s point of view on her yearning to return to Frederick, MD. Now I take those same photos and showcase them as a film with Ms. Freda Parker as the narrator of her own upbringing and explanation on the changes happening in Frederick. This Film shows the expansion of Frederick and the omission at cost to this expansion.

While in the process of recording my grandmother’s stories it was announced that All Saints St. would be commemorated in remembrance of those Blacks who lived on that street and also attended Lincoln school in those times.

When approaching this piece visually I decided the short film and my grandmother’s recordings would give an immersive and engaging interaction between viewer and community. It is the essence of family, nostalgia and yearning of community that is displayed. The development through these stories shows the rebirth of connection and love that I developed by walking down memory lane in modern day. I created a road map of photos that show the past dealing with racism, segregation, and the black community thriving within the struggle. This shows my grandmother’s story and the omission of black people’s history for the exchange of “progress”.