Embrace the Wisdom of Black Women, Walk in their Footsteps
Black Women Pioneers and the Struggle for Representation in Urban Planning and Transportation
Black women have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of urban planning, with figures like Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks paving the way. However, their representation in leadership roles within urban planning and transportation remains limited, despite their essential contributions.
Tamika Butler, a prominent leader in the field, has been advocating for the need of Black women in creating equitable transportation systems. She has highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as housing unaffordability, economic mobility, and access to quality healthcare and education, all of which are closely tied to urban planning.
Despite their vital role, Black women in the industry face numerous challenges. One of the most significant issues is workplace discrimination and exclusion. This is evident in the historical marginalisation of Black women's leadership in civil rights movements related to transportation, such as the case of Rosa Parks.
Another challenge is the lack of political and institutional representation. Women's political empowerment, including Black women, is linked to improved public infrastructure outcomes, but reserved seats or quotas for women in governance are not common in many urban planning institutions, limiting their influence on critical resource allocation.
Structural inequities also play a significant role. Black women, who often belong to disadvantaged groups, face more exposure to adverse impacts like pollution, less access to safe travel options, affordability barriers, and exclusion from planning processes.
Moreover, the lack of data and evaluation metrics focused on racial and gender minorities complicates addressing the unique challenges Black women face in urban transportation systems.
Efforts to address these gaps include calls for more inclusive, intersectional planning approaches, increased Black women’s participation and leadership in urban planning and transportation policymaking, and public advocacy pushing for equity in public resources allocation.
However, systemic change remains slow, and Black women continue to face significant barriers in these professional environments. Many Black women are contemplating leaving their organizations due to white fragility, racism, and anti-Blackness.
Despite these challenges, Black women are crucial in the transportation industry. They bring others along with them and ensure that no one is left behind. Planning has a "whiteness problem," with 80% of city and regional planners being white and about half being men.
To support Black women in the transportation industry, organizations should see them, support them, trust them, and follow them. Black women are not only needed during Black History Month, but their contributions are essential year-round in the fight against the climate crisis.
Tamika Butler, for instance, now supports students of color interested in planning, climate, and transportation. A young Black woman recently reached out to Butler for advice on post-graduation plans in climate and transportation work.
The term "misogynoir" was created to describe the specific hatred, dislike, distrust, and prejudice directed toward Black women. Black people are more likely to care and take action regarding climate change than white people, according to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
At a transportation conference, a Black woman called out the failure to address race in a workshop. Butler, who often felt out of place at transportation meetings where people in power did not look like her, reached out to this Black woman and they became friends and mentors.
Black people are disproportionately impacted by lack of transportation access and services, environmental racism, and climate change. It is essential to acknowledge and address these issues to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
[1] National Black Women's Equity March (2025) [2] World Bank (2018) [3] Transportation Equity Network (2020) [4] Butler, T. (2021)
- The pioneering roles of Black women in shaping the urban landscape extend beyond transportation, as they also make significant contributions to the arts and culture, further enriching cityscapes.
- It is crucial for urban planning and transportation magazines and newsletters to amplify the voices and experiences of Black women, providing a platform for their advocacy and promoting their impact on the industry.
- In addition to their work in professional settings, Black women are active in the community, advocating for equitable technology infrastructure to bridge digital divide gaps and ensure access to essential resources for all.
- While some Black women may find solace and camaraderie in supportive communities, such as gambling and gaming platforms, it is essential to recognize the potential risks and adverse effects of casino-and-gambling practices on vulnerable populations, especially Black women.
