After reading How to Kill a City, I gained a bit more insight into the complexities of gentrification. Before reading this work, I had a base-level understanding of gentrification regarding its effect on black and brown neighborhoods. The displacement that original community residents experience after an influx of white property renters/buyers is a result of systemic racism. This process largely insists that the presence of whiteness or lack thereof determines a location’s value. Wealthier white relocators are usually drawn in by an increase in funding towards location remodelings like developing new shopping plazas or areas for tourism/consumerism. I noticed this notably when visiting downtown Detroit, which seems to highlight the stark effects of gentrification. This one small sector of the city appears modern, new, and well-maintained compared to the older, more neglected parts outside of this district. However, I was surprised to learn the financial trap of gentrification for a city once it is in motion. From my understanding, if Detroit were to stop large corporations from capitalizing on their financial instability, the city would most likely be in an even worse position than its original starting point. It would be particularly challenging for Detroit due to its recent history of bankruptcy. It may just take time for the city to collectively recover, but what would that impact look like for the residents who are already struggling? I never truly understood the financial aspect on a larger scale, as I mainly focused on the residential level. It just adds another layer of difficulty when working towards de-gentrification. Yet, it has not swayed my interpretation of the current urban revitalization because it essentially means whitewashing specific areas of their rich black/brown history and culture. This notion of revitalization becomes so deceptive when you truly uncover what that means in the eyes of those spearheading these efforts. Instead of giving back to these communities via grants, aid, or other impactful means of revitalization, their definition consists of tactics to progress their capitalistic agendas. It is disheartening to see, especially when you hear personal stories of people who had to give up their homes and sense of community. Despite this, I am hopeful that those working towards de-gentrification will continue to develop effective strategies to resist the destruction of black and brown communities.
