Diamond

The predominantly African-American community of Diamond existed between a Shell chemical plant on the west and a sprawling facility including another Shell Chemical plant and two oil refineries on the east. After a series of frightening explosions and accidents at the Shell Chemical facility, the residents began to organize. Multiple lawsuits awarded the residents compensation for damage caused by the explosions, yet they were unable to sell their homes. In 2002 the community, led by resident Margie Richard, finally was able to negotiate a buyout program with Shell, which agreed to relocate all residents who wanted to live elsewhere.