Welcome to Beloved Community- The Set, rich in history full of opportunity

The Set is a historically Black, thousand-acre community in the heart of Delray Beach. In 1935, Delray Beach’s City Council adopted Resolution #146-35 designating The Set as the “Negro Area or Settlement”. Today, The Set remains home to the majority of Delray’s Black population – one fifth of Delray’s overall population. This strong and resilient community is known for its historical roots, community leaders, multi-generational families, and tight-knit social fabric. Currently, redevelopment efforts threaten residents’ ability to maintain residence in an area they were once restricted to. Residents and strategic partners are challenging the narrative and working together to save the soul of Delray.

The name “The Set” celebrates the determination of early settlers, such as the 1894 West Settlers, to create a thriving Black community. It draws inspiration from campus gathering spaces at historically Black colleges and universities. During the era of Jim Crow and sundown laws, Black citizens were required to be west of 3rd Avenue by sunset. Today, the name celebrates the resilience and achievements of the community built in this “Negro Settlement.”

The Resolution

The West Settlers African American Community Established

The Set In Acres

Neighborhood Associations in The Set

The West Atlantic Redevelopment Coalition Established

TRANSFORMATION PLAN

The Set Transformation Plan is a community-led and informed updating of historical planning documents covering over 30 years of neighborhood improvement plans for The Set. It uplifts the community’s vision: “The Set shall become a place of opportunity, resiliency, inclusion, and wellness through equitable policies and development, strategic partnerships, and the power of community leadership.” The plan prioritizes people over profit and focuses on building community wealth through ownership, power, and pride.

Young population – Average age is 34 vs. 44 for the City
67% of residents are active participants in the workforce.
Majority of businesses in The Set are micro or small businesses employing 20 employees or less.
The Set has a high number of self-employed workers – particularly in the Specialty Contractor sector.

The Set has a 54.7% homeownership rate – close to the City rate.
The Set has an intergenerational history of community activism.
The Set is a tight-knit community where residents know their neighbors.
The Set's branding Initiative recommended celebrating The Set’s culture and history to attract and retain residents and businesses.

THE SET TRANSFORMATION PLAN

The Set Transformation Plan

ELDER'S TABLE

The Elder’s Table is an intergenerational organizing table started decades ago by The Set’s legacy activists, some of which include Alfred “Zack” Straghn, Commissioner David Randolph, Josh Smith and others. The table convenes weekly to this day and is open to any and all who wish to “be in the know” about the community. On any given Thursday morning, you will find the community’s organizers hearing from or calling in the City’s Police Chief, City Manager, local pastors, elected officials, nonprofit organizations and the community’s residents and innovators – meeting with The Elders for guidance, history, support, or just to break bread and share in a moment of their gracious wisdom.

NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE

The Set Neighborhood Alliance is a civic association of the subdivided blocks that make up the The Set community. Established in 1997, The Alliance focuses on civic engagement, resident leadership development, and community education to support The Set and the vision for the community as identified in The Set Transformation Plan. The Alliance is composed of volunteer representatives, Neighborhood Presidents and Block Captains representing The Set and neighboring Black communities to the west.