Pennsylvania has a strong economy, a lot of history, and a lot of different cultures. That being said, it faces big problems, especially when it comes to poverty and unfairness. Another study from 2023 by WIBA FM found that Braddock is the town in the state with the worst economy.
Braddock: A Town on the Way Out
Braddock is in Allegheny County and has a population of about 2,000 people. It is on the Monongahela River, 10 miles east of Pittsburgh. Braddock was once a busy industry center with the first steel mill in the United States. It was a center for business and new ideas. It was especially important during the French and Indian War when George Washington was young and fought and was hurt.
It’s too bad that Braddock’s golden age is over. Since the 1950s, the town has been struggling with loss of jobs, people, and general decay. When the steel mill shut down in 1982, it left behind a huge empty lot that was bad for the environment. In 1920, there were more than 20,000 people living there. Now, there are less than 10,000. In 1970, the median family income was higher than the national average. Now, it’s only $22,670, which is the lowest in the state. As of 1970, the poverty rate was lower than the national average. Now, it has risen to 40%, which is the highest rate in Pennsylvania.
Braddock: Left Alone But Strong
Braddock is still a town with hope, even though the government, society, and economy have all given up on it. The neighborhood is being worked on to bring it back to life and improve the quality of life for the people who live there. Some initiatives and tools are:
Braddock Carnegie Library was the first Carnegie library in the country. It has community rooms, computers, the internet, educational events, and books for free.
Braddock Farms is an urban farming project that gives people fresh food, job training, nutrition instruction, and a safe source of food.
The Braddock Youth Project is a program that gives local teens the tools they need to make their own decisions. They do things like gardening, painting murals, making media, and doing community work.
The Braddock Free Store is a place run by volunteers that give away donated things for free to people who need them.
The Braddock Community Oven is a public wood-fired oven that is used for potlucks, pizza parties, and bread baking.
Braddock’s Field Historical Society: This group of local historians preserves and shares the past of the town through tours, lectures, and reenactments.
In the end, Braddock Goes Beyond Being poor
Braddock, which has been called the poorest town in Pennsylvania, is more than just its numbers. The people who live there have dreams, strengths, and stories. The town is full of potential and power. Even though it has problems, Braddock deserves respect, kindness, and help. It is a group that can get past problems, reach its goals, and eventually thrive. Braddock is a town that can be happy, healthy, and successful, even though it is having trouble with its economy.