Gentrified - Save Our Communities! Harlem Fights Back

Summary

---

"Everybody of any consequence has walked these streets. We talking about Paul Robeson, Malcolm X, Mr. Garvey, Dr. King, Adam clayton Powell, who said - 'If you can't work in those stores, you don't spend your money in there!'" [Sikhulu Shange] continued. "This is your community! You worked for it, and make sure no one takes it from you. It's time to go to war!" as the auditorium applauded in approval.

"First they hit us with heroin in the '60s and '70s, around the civil rights era. Then they hit us with crack and A.I.D.S. during the '80s and '90s," summarized La Meh Nua, who said he's also seen his beloved borough of Brooklyn getting engulfed too. They destabilized us and decimated our communities and now they're kicking us out of them completely!"

Keynote speaker Councilman Charles Barron explained how people can utilize electoral politics to "bring Power To The People," he said; "In 2009, we have an election. The entire city administration is gone! Sixty billion dollars, that's the NYC budget. Whether gentrification comes or goes, that's the City Council's decision."

According to Webster's dictionary, gentrification is "the process of renewal and rebuilding, accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents." Moderator Indigo Washington began the event by reading of some names of local politicians, who, she said have sold out these communities by letting land-developers cut side deals and cut corners regarding business/residential ratios, among other illicit issues.

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Gentrified - Save Our Communities! Harlem Fights Back

According to Webster's dictionary, gentrification is "the process of renewal and rebuilding, accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often ...

See the full content of this document

---