There Goes the Neighborhood
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

There Goes the Neighborhood

A Summary & Reaction to "There Goes The Neighborhood" a short documentary on nation's capital & gentrification.

444
There Goes the Neighborhood

This article is a short explanation of a summary and reaction to my recent viewing of the documentary "There Goes the Neighborhood"

Recently, I re-watched There Goes the Neighborhood, which is a short documentary explaining the gentrification process in Washington, D.C. The twenty-two minute documentary sheds light a prominent light of the black culture of the nation's capital through family stories and personal experiences. Throughout the past four decades, the demographics of D.C. have changed dramatically with a constant decline of the black population. In 1970, the black population of D.C. peaked at 71%, but has since fallen ever since; which has opened the flood gates for Non-Hispanic Whites to populate the inner-city in skyrocketing rates.

Much of the Black residents' concern of gentrification stems from misplacement, and having to move from an area that Black families alike have resided for generations on end. Within the city limits, Southeast D.C. seems to be the last area to experience the wave of new residents taking interest in the land. The documentary focused primarily of the area of Anacostia, which is 90% Black according the 2000 Census. David Garber, a real estate agent and D.C. native moved to Anacostia with intention to increase the equity and real estate value in the neighborhood. Garber who is Caucasian has received backlash from residents Anacostia, because much of the Black residents are unsure of his intentions. Garber believes Anacostia needs to have more diversity within the neighborhood, and states his intentions are pure.

In my personal opinion, I believe David Garber's intention are truly pure based from the documentary. His "intentions" are to profit from the neighborhood, which is any real estate agent's job, but it comes at a costly price for residents that have been living in Anacostia for decades. The issue many people of color have with gentrification is the invasion of neighborhood culture that once existed, granted with time people and places naturally change, but gentrification shows no interest in keeping elements of the culture that created a foundation of community. Garber seemed less interested in Anacostia, and more interested and changing the dynamics of community to "his" liking. Another extensive example was the oldest Black community know to D.C. which is "Barry Farms" the first property Blacks could own being freed from slavery. Much like "Barry Farms" the nation's capital is rich in Black history and culture; therefore, it is important to understand how gentrification could negatively impact a neighborhood of hard-working citizens.

Look beyond the convenience of having a Starbucks around the corner, and appreciate the locally owned business that have stood the test of time, those Mom & Pop stores that understand the value of the community beyond making a quick profit. Let's make a change to make the neighborhood better for the current residing citizens, as well as making a way for newer citizens to join and become a part of an empowered community!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54079
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34808
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957185
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

182240
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments