When the interstate highway system was created in the mid-20th century, the routes isolated or destroyed urban neighborhoods nationwide, particularly those with predominantly Black or poor populations. AARP is highlighting seven older adults who lived in those places share their memories and observations in a series called “Before the Highway.”

AARP provides a brief history of the impacts of highway construction on predominantly black and low-income neighborhoods. There is also a list of government resources, proposed policies and media stories that highlight efforts to undo some of the damage caused by destruction of urban neighborhoods in the name of making room for highways.

Check out the stories highlighted by AARP here.