Take Back the Block

Gentrification is a complex process whereby wealthier, typically white newcomers move into a neighborhood and displace former residents, who are often working-class and/or people of color. The word “gentrification” was coined in 1964 by a British sociologist named Ruth Glass whose observations in London: Aspects of Change describe the displacement of working-class residents by wealthier residents in London. However, while the term was coined in 1964, the process has been in use for far longer. Gentrification happens all over the world, but in recent years, it has been discussed extensively within the context of neighborhoods in large US cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Diego, Atlanta, Washington, DC, and many others. Although Take Back the Block is set in an unspecified city, Chrystal D. Giles states in her Afterword that the novel’s setting is loosely based on Charlotte, North Carolina, which is her hometown. However, she was first struck by the effects of gentrification while visiting Harlem, a historically Black neighborhood in New York City.

Gentrification does not occur instantaneously; it can take years for the population demographics of a neighborhood to change, and some neighborhoods go through several cycles of gentrification. Gentrification entails an influx of more affluent residents, but it also involves an influx of more upscale businesses, including shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Additionally, new housing developments are often added, along with improvements to existing housing developments, schools, and other establishments. These changes can sometimes lead to an increase in available jobs in the area.

Because of these new jobs, establishments, and improvements, some people believe that gentrification is a positive phenomenon; however, these improvements tend to benefit only the new, more affluent residents, and the original residents are often displaced because they are typically priced out of the area. This problem arises in Take Back the Block, for Wes and his friends are initially delighted by a new milkshake shop in their area, until they realize that it has replaced an apartment complex, displacing one of their friends. They also realize that their own homes may one day be replaced by fancy restaurants. From this perspective, Wes and his friends realize that the new restaurants seem more ominous than exciting.

Displacement due to gentrification can occur in a variety of ways, many of which are aptly demonstrated in Take Back the Block. Often, development companies offer to purchase buildings in a certain area for more than their market value, enticing owners to sell. However, the development companies still get the better end of the deal, because after they tear down the dwellings they purchase, they often build fancier dwellings, which they then sell or rent to more affluent newcomers to make a profit. The original residents of these properties initially have a choice of whether or not to sell, and they can theoretically remain in their neighborhood for the time being if they want to. However, over time, if others in the area sell and upscale businesses are created, the cost of living in the area may increase, forcing many homeowners to move. Residents who rent their homes have even less choice in the matter because their landlord may sell their house or apartment and force them to move. The same conundrum faces those living in public housing projects, because their residences may be sold without their consent.

Displacement due to gentrification affects people’s housing prospects, school opportunities, employment, personal relationships, support systems, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, when neighborhoods that have historically been home to a certain cultural group become gentrified, the original cultural heritage is often erased or disjointed, with landmarks torn down and cultural hubs disbanded. Take Back the Block explores the many effects of gentrification on displaced communities, examining the long-term cascade of effects that occurs when people are forced to move.