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Gentrification: Is it Good for the Black Community? (Here's an article I just had published)
By Dr. Sinclair Grey III
For over 40 years, I had the opportunity of living within the Washington DC Metropolitan area, which includes parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia. Through my time and observation of what is happening in Washington, DC today, there’s a strong gentrification of White people moving into the area. What was once considered ‘Chocolate City’ has been tapered into moving black folks out and making it so unaffordable for them to move back. Truly, a problem has surged.
I need to declare that I am not prejudice in any way towards people outside of the black community, however, I am concerned that gentrification is hurting our community. Why do I say this?
- Black-owned establishments that once catered to local residents are being forced to close or relocate because of new construction which, is making it difficult for old as well as new customers to patronize.
- Real estate prices are skyrocketing. An example of this is apartments renting for $2000 per month and condominiums selling for $400,000+, making it extremely difficult for people of color to afford.
- Culture is compromised. Neighborhoods that once had black artwork are now being painted over to reflect more of the ‘new’ community.
Who is to blame for this shift?
Well, I place a lot of the blame on us (as a people). Whenever we allow our neighborhoods, schools, and businesses to decay, we are, in essence, decreasing the value of the community. Think about it for a moment: As soon as the value of a neighborhood diminishes, those with vision can see pass the mess and make it into a miracle. If you don’t believe me, I dare you to look back at some the neighborhoods that were once crime-ridden, impoverished, and filled with drugs and see what has happened. A whole new neighborhood has emerged with a whole new spirit.
The old adage of saying ‘white people are moving in and making it unaffordable for us’ needs to be abolished. We must do a better job of making our neighborhoods and communities safer, cleaner, and full of prosperity. It starts with having a changed mind. Permit me to quote Scripture and say, ‘do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…’ Let’s face it – a mind committed to wanting better, seeing better, doing better, and living better will work towards things getting better.
Without addressing our own issues, we won’t see any more ‘black’ neighborhoods. The once ‘all black neighborhood’ will be replaced with people that don’t look like us and in many ways won’t cater to us for our business.
Before you go on a rampage and say ‘I’m being too black about this article of gentrification,’ may I pose a question to you. Is there gentrification within the Jewish and Latino communities? If we’re honest for a second, the answer is no. They have learned to value their schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. While many (not all) blacks are concerned with relationship talk shows, reality shows, and being entertained, other groups are developing businesses and controlling the politics of our community.
As the title of the article goes, ‘Gentrification: Is it Good for the Black Community?’ This is a question that you need to answer. If you answer “yes,” then that’s your business. If you answer “no,” then what are you going to do about it other than complain? 6.3.14
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| Nelson Mandela as a young man in traditional garb. |
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