In the heart of every thriving community lies an often-overlooked catalyst for connection and social cohesion: Third Space. Beyond the realms of our homes (“first” space) and workplaces (“second” space), these communal hubs—be it a local café, a serene park, or an engaging community center—serve as the backbone for fostering informal social interactions and a sense of belonging among residents. In the post COVID-19 era, where social media connections often overshadow physical ones, the importance of nurturing and creating third spaces has never been more pronounced. This article explores into the role of third spaces in uniting communities, the impact of their absence, and actionable steps local citizens can take to support and cultivate these essential environments.
Third spaces are fascinating spots, a bit like social crossroads, where folks from all walks of life can gather, mingle, and engage outside of their traditional environments of home and work. Imagine inviting coffee shops, energetic libraries, vibrant community centers, or flourishing parks. These places are not just physical locations; they’re the heartbeats of communities, where social barriers tend to melt away, fostering casual interaction, creativity, and a sense of belonging among their guests.
Third spaces play a critical role in urban sociology and community building. They serve as essential venues for informal social interactions, crucial for building relationships, sharing ideas, and creating networks that can enhance both individual well-being and collective community health. Through their inclusive and neutral nature, third spaces help in promoting social equity by providing accessible and welcoming environments for all members of a community, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
These unique environments often pulsate with the energy of shared experiences, mutual interests, and the spontaneous exchange of ideas, making them vital for social cohesion and community resilience. In a world where isolation and division can be all too common, third spaces offer a remedy, knitting together the fabric of society in informal, yet profoundly important ways.
When third spaces start to vanish due to a lack of funding, underfunding, or neglect by city governments, the foundation of a community can really take a hit. It’s like pulling the rug out from under the social and emotional connectivity of a neighborhood. These third spaces are the communal living rooms, where people bump into each other, share news, and support one another. Without them, communities might struggle to find common ground, leading to a more fragmented society where isolation and disconnection become the norm.
In Oklahoma City, Deep Deuce was a thriving Black community prior to “urban removal”. Deep Deuce, a historically rich Black neighborhood in Oklahoma City, faced significant transformations due to these urban renewal efforts. Deep Deuce, during the 1920s, was a vibrant, thriving Black community, known for its cultural richness, with Black-owned medical offices, theaters, and other businesses bustling by day, and the soulful sounds of blues and jazz echoing through the streets by night. This neighborhood served as a safe haven during the Jim Crow era, offering a segregated space where African Americans supported each other economically and culturally. However, as urban renewal policies took effect, many historic neighborhoods, including Deep Deuce, saw significant changes.
Urban renewal policies, initiated with the Housing Act of 1949, aimed at the publicly subsidized destruction and redevelopment of old inner-city properties across the United States, including Oklahoma City. These policies allowed cities to clear blighted areas and sell the land to private developers, initially to eliminate slums but later expanded to include clearance for new office, retail spaces, and rehabilitation of old homes.
The extensive urban renewal program in Oklahoma City, which was one of the most ambitious in the state, led to the clearance of hundreds of structures in several areas, impacting the downtown, the Oklahoma Health Center, and the John F. Kennedy neighborhood significantly. This redevelopment effort transformed the city’s skyline and, by implication, deeply affected the fabric of communities like Deep Deuce.
In Deep Deuce, urban renewal policies led to the displacement of its residents and the erasure of many of its cultural landmarks. The once vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood was transformed into an area filled with trendy restaurants, apartments, and high-end brownstones, losing much of its historical identity and community ties. This transformation illustrates the complex legacy of urban renewal policies, which, while aimed at modernizing cities and clearing blighted areas, often resulted in the disruption of established communities and cultural erasure.
The revitalization efforts in the 1990s, particularly with the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) program, further shifted the demographic and cultural landscape of Deep Deuce and adjacent Bricktown. These areas became trendier and attracted a new, mostly young, white demographic, diverging from their historical roots as centers of Black culture and community.
Urban renewal policies had a profound impact on the historic Deep Deuce community in Oklahoma City. While aimed at eliminating urban blight and stimulating economic growth, these policies also led to significant cultural and community displacement, transforming the neighborhood’s identity and erasing much of its rich African American heritage.
With that knowledge, is Urban Renewal the cause for the erosion of third spaces for Black people to connect in Oklahoma City? One could argue a strong case that Urban Renewal systemically displaced people and their culture to make room for the establishment of a new community existence for young, white professionals working in the downtown corridor.
Lose third spaces and you lose a vital bridge that fosters understanding and unity among diverse groups. It’s like taking away the watering holes in a savannah; without a common place to gather, the social fabric starts to fray.
Then there’s mental health and well-being. These spots offer a break from the daily grind of work and home life. They’re spots where you can unwind, be part of a community, and feel a sense of belonging. Without them, people might feel more isolated, which can crank up the dial on stress, anxiety, and depression.
Let’s not forget about the economic implications. Thriving third spaces can boost local economies. They’re often launch pads for small businesses and can attract tourism. Without investment in these areas, local economies might stagnate, affecting job creation and community development.
Youth and elder engagement is another area that takes a hit. Third spaces often offer programs and activities that keep the young and the old engaged and integrated into the fabric of their community. Without these opportunities, there’s a risk of increased alienation among these groups, potentially leading to higher rates of delinquency among youth and loneliness among the elderly.
In a nutshell, when third spaces dry up because of underfunding, communities risk becoming less vibrant, less connected, and less resilient. These spaces are the glue that holds the community mosaic together. Without them, the pieces can start to drift apart, leaving behind a less cohesive, more isolated society. So, it’s crucial for city governments and local stakeholders to recognize the value of these spaces and fight tooth and nail to support them. They’re not just nice-to-have amenities; they’re essential to the well-being and vitality of our communities.
When it comes to supporting and creating new third spaces, community members can truly be the champions who make a difference. There’s real power in grassroots movements and local initiatives that can breathe life into these essential communal spots.
First up, supporting existing third spaces is crucial. This could be as simple as regularly visiting and spending time in local cafes, bookstores, and community centers. These actions help keep the doors open and the lights on. But support doesn’t just mean financial; volunteering your time, skills, or resources can also play a big part. Whether it’s helping to organize events, offering to teach a class, or simply spreading the word, every little bit helps.
Then there’s advocacy. Communities can come together to lobby local governments for funding, policy changes, or support for third spaces. This could mean advocating for the allocation of public spaces for community use or for grants and funding opportunities to support local initiatives. Making the case for the importance of third spaces to local officials can sometimes require presenting evidence of their social, economic, and cultural benefits, so gathering this information and sharing it can be incredibly persuasive.
Creating new third spaces can be a more challenging, yet equally rewarding endeavor. This might involve identifying and utilizing underused public or private spaces that can be transformed into community hubs. Think of unused lots, empty storefronts, or even parts of parks that could be converted into gathering places. Inter-community crowdfunding or partnering with local, Blackowned businesses and organizations can provide the necessary funds for such projects.
Innovation and creativity play a big role here too. Communities can think outside the box to create mobile or pop-up third spaces, like bookmobiles, mobile cafes, or temporary art installations that travel across neighborhoods, bringing people together in various locations.
A Call to Arms:
As we stand at this crossroads, the path forward is clear. The preservation and creation of third spaces are imperative for the sustenance of our communities. It calls for a united effort from local citizens, businesses, and governments to recognize and nurture the significance of these communal grounds. Together, we can ensure that our cities remain vibrant, connected, and inclusive for generations to come.
Third spaces are more than just physical locations; they are the essence of community life. As we champion for the creation of new third spaces and the support of existing ones, we weave a stronger, more interconnected social fabric. Let this article serve not only as a call to action but also as a beacon of hope for the potential of our communities to thrive together in unity and solidarity.
Author: Apollo Woods, MBA
