This literature review explores the longstanding economic disinvestment in African American communities and how its legacy continues to shape these neighborhoods today. Focusing on both financial withdrawal and the loss of human capital, this research examines how systemic neglect has impacted infrastructure, opportunity, and community well-being over time. Drawing from media, reports, and scholarly analyses across disciplines, it highlights the historical roots of disinvestment and the ongoing consequences in areas such as housing, education, employment, and healthcare. Additionally, this work considers current efforts aimed at reinvestment, emphasizing the importance of community- centered strategies that avoid the harmful effects of gentrification. Ultimately, it argues that meaningful reinvestment must be intentional, equitable, and rooted in restorative justice for African American communities.
