Edit Religion & Spirituality

In Arlington, Virginia, a historic African American church that predates the end of the Civil War is at the center of a growing dispute over gentrification and redevelopment. Lomax AME Zion Church, founded in 1866, just a year after the Civil War ended, has long served as a spiritual, cultural, and historical cornerstone of the Green Valley neighborhood. Now, its congregation and leaders say the church’s future is under threat due to aggressive nearby development that risks overshadowing its legacy and displacing its community.

For generations, Lomax AME Zion has stood as more than just a place of worship. It is a symbol of African American resilience, a witness to centuries of history, and a rare remaining link to a once-thriving Black community in Arlington. Church historian Brenda Cox, who has been a member since she was three years old, recalls pivotal moments in the church’s past, including a visit from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963. Just after delivering his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, Dr. King spoke in the church’s parking lot—a powerful event etched into the memories of longtime members.

Brenda Cox speaks with reverence about what the church represents, saying, “The history of this church is the history of the country.” Her words echo a broader concern shared by the congregation—that the ongoing wave of development threatens not just buildings, but a living history that tells the story of post-Civil War Black America.

Reverend Adrian V. Nelson, the church’s current pastor, warns that the development pressures from new projects nearby could permanently alter the landscape and identity of the Green Valley community. Developers recently acquired abandoned hotels adjacent to the church, with plans to transform the area into a large residential complex consisting of over 500 housing units. This construction would tower over the historic church, potentially diminishing its physical and symbolic presence in the neighborhood.

Reverend Nelson emphasizes that the challenge goes beyond aesthetics. “It’s not only impacting Lomax Church but affecting the character of the community. It’s more and more difficult to find the footprint that was Green Valley with all the development that is taking place,” he explained.

Residents like Frederick Craddock, who has lived in Green Valley for three decades, express frustration with the anticipated increase in congestion. The neighborhood, already experiencing heavy traffic, could see conditions worsen, making daily life more difficult for those who have long called the area home. “We want people here, but they’re not going to enjoy congestion, and that’s what we have here on South 24th,” Craddock said.

In response to community backlash, the developers, represented by attorney Kedrick N. Whitmore, have issued statements emphasizing their willingness to engage with local voices. According to the attorney, discussions with stakeholders began in November 2023, and efforts are ongoing to ensure the project aligns with Arlington County’s guidelines and the community’s interests.

In a nod to the church’s historical importance, the developers have pledged to make certain accommodations. These include a public art contribution to honor the church’s legacy, the construction of a 10,000 square foot publicly accessible garden adjacent to the church, and a barrier to protect the church’s cemetery from foot traffic. A gate will also be added to prevent trespassing, acknowledging the sanctity and privacy of the church grounds.

Still, many feel these concessions may not be enough to mitigate the long-term effects of displacement, rising property values, and cultural erosion that often follow large-scale redevelopment. Advocates argue that preserving history requires more than symbolic gestures; it requires a meaningful commitment to protecting the people and institutions that carry that history forward.

The future of Lomax AME Zion Church, and the broader Green Valley community, now hinges on a delicate balance between modernization and preservation. As Arlington continues to evolve, the voices of those rooted in its past are demanding not to be silenced by the noise of progress. They seek not only recognition but action that ensures historic institutions like Lomax remain vibrant, relevant, and respected amid a changing urban landscape. For the members of this church, the fight is about far more than a building. It’s about memory, identity, and justice. The outcome of this struggle could set a precedent for how communities across the nation navigate the complexities of heritage and growth in a modern era.