UCLA Library

"Little Bronze Tokyo": Housing and Employment for Black & Japanese Americans in Los Angeles during World War II, (1940-1950) investigates mid-20th century urban development and socioeconomic dynamics in Los Angeles, focusing on the housing crisis, Japanese relocation, and emergence of the Black enclave, "Bronzeville." Utilizing urban scholars David Harvey and Michel De Certeau, the study reveals how marginalized groups shape their urban environment amidst discrimination and forced migration. Drawing from primary sources like interviews and letters, and secondary sources including government reports, it uncovers government-driven racial discrimination's impact on downtown Los Angeles. The establishment of Bronzeville and Japanese incarceration altered city demographics and cultural boundaries. Beyond historical documentation, the research sheds light on enduring challenges for Black and Japanese communities, such as housing discrimination and economic disparity. It contributes to understanding how historical borders influence contemporary socio-cultural and economic landscapes, highlighting marginalized communities' resilience in challenging these boundaries.