Charnita and her sister, Helen Hatcher, 61, lived together in a two-family home when it was condemned by the City of Hamtramck in the 1970s. The sisters had always lived together since their childhood in Alabama. After losing their home in Hamtramck, they were separated for the first time in their lives. Eventually, they both became wheelchair-bound and were eventually unable to see each other. In March, the sisters were reunited in Hamtramck as result of the settlement of the lawsuit. Now they are next door neighbors. Charnita points out at the window where she can now look straight into Helen's house. They often wave at each other first thing in the mornings. (Desiree Cooper)

New Life for Hamtramck's Black Enclave

Charnita and her sister, Helen Hatcher, 61, lived together in a two-family home when it was condemned by the City of Hamtramck in the 1970s. The sisters had always lived together since their childhood in Alabama. After losing their home in Hamtramck, they were separated for the first time in their lives. Eventually, they both became wheelchair-bound and were eventually unable to see each other. In March, the sisters were reunited in Hamtramck as result of the settlement of the lawsuit. Now they are next door neighbors. Charnita points out at the window where she can now look straight into Helen's house. They often wave at each other first thing in the mornings.

Credit: Desiree Cooper