200 Moorish Communities Submerged Underwater

Lake Lanier, a sprawling reservoir in Georgia, is not just a recreational haven; it is a poignant reminder of the historical injustices faced by Black communities. Created in the 1950s during the construction of the Buford Dam, Lake Lanier submerged over twenty thriving African American towns—including the once-vibrant community of Oscarville—displacing thousands of residents and erasing decades of cultural heritage. This tragic act was emblematic of a broader trend across the United States where numerous Black towns were obliterated under water for urban development projects, often with little regard for their history or legacy. Today, as visitors enjoy boating and fishing on its surface, there's an urgent need to acknowledge and honor those who have been forgotten beneath the waves—a call to confront America's complex relationship with race, land ownership, and community memory that continues to resonate deeply today.