Understanding Gentrification and Its Impact on Historical Black Communities
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
13 October 2025
Systematic Racism & Gentrification
Gentrification is a complex and often controversial issue that significantly affects urban neighborhoods, particularly those with rich historical backgrounds and vibrant Black communities. This report aims to shed light on the complaints surrounding gentrification, highlighting its impact through historical class action lawsuits and discussing why it is a pressing concern for many residents.
What is Gentrification?
Gentrification refers to the process of transforming urban neighborhoods through the influx of more affluent or preferred residents, which often leads to rising property values and the displacement of long-term African American families. While gentrification can lead to certain community improvements, it frequently comes at the cost of displacing long-standing citizens, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods. Established Black businesses, such as barbershops, beauty salons, and soul food eateries, have been intentionally pushed out of their communities in Monmouth County. This has mainly happened because new landlords have raised rents significantly, driving Black business owners away.
For example, in Asbury Park, these businesses have been supplanted by Mexican-owned enterprises. Since 2005, this pattern has continued in predominantly Black areas of Monmouth County, such as Red Bank and Long Branch, as well as other regions in New Jersey, most notably in Jersey City, the heart of the A.M.E. Church St. John's, where prominent figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman worshipped. This town also proudly showcases historical evidence of underground caves crafted by indigenous tribes, which they generously shared with runaway slaves seeking freedom in Canada. Black citizens and Black history are of significant importance in New Jersey.
But not to MAGNA and their insourced allies. These actions highlight the unjust practices of gentrification, which organizations, including the NAACP, Legal Defense Fund, Urban League, Black Church, have not addressed. Despite being institutions established to be "In Concern of the Negro." This situation suggests a broader agenda aimed at replacing Black American citizens with non-citizens from Spanish-speaking countries, who often harbor prejudiced views towards Black Americans due to longstanding caste systems in their own countries.
Historical Class Action Lawsuits:
Several class action lawsuits have brought attention to the detrimental effects of gentrification on Black citizens and communities. For example, in the late 20th century, neighborhoods in cities like Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia, witnessed significant demographic shifts fueled by investment and urban development that often excluded the voices and contracting businesses of existing Black citizens. Lawsuits have emerged from communities alleging that urban development projects led to discriminatory practices, reducing access to affordable housing and displacing many families, both Black and White.
Key Cases:
1. The Washington, D.C. Case (2005): A group of residents filed a lawsuit against the city for failing to provide adequate affordable housing amidst rapid upscale development and high rents. The suit argued that the city's policies favored wealthy or non-Black newcomers, displacing longtime residents and disrupting established communities. Attorney General Schwalb sued RealPage & Residential Landlords for rental price-fixing, illegally raising rents for thousands of District residents.
2. Atlanta's West End (2010): Residents sued developers for allegedly using exploitative practices to acquire properties in historically Black neighborhoods. The plaintiffs argued that these actions violated fair housing laws and further marginalized vulnerable populations. The case highlighted how Atlanta residents refused to let the city take their homes—and won, as reported by the American Friends Service Committee.
These cases highlight the struggles that many Black communities face and illustrate a pattern of systemic inequality perpetuated through gentrification.
The Impact on Historical Black Communities.
Gentrification not only alters the physical landscape of neighborhoods but also erodes cultural identity and community cohesion. Historical Black neighborhoods, rich in culture and traditions, often become unrecognizable as new businesses catering to wealthier residents or creating non-Black-owned businesses replace local establishments that have served the community for generations. This cultural displacement can lead to a loss of social ties, essential services, and community history. Moreover, the rising cost of living associated with gentrification can force families out of their homes, worsening economic disparities. Many families are left with little choice but to move to more affordable areas, which can lead to a decline in community engagement and support networks that have been built over decades.
Conclusion
Gentrification poses a significant challenge to the preservation of historical Black communities. While development and improvement can have positive effects, it is crucial that these changes include the voices of existing residents and prioritize affordable housing. Understanding the history and impact of gentrification through class action lawsuits can help raise awareness and push for policy changes that advocate for equity and inclusivity in urban development. It is essential for city planners, policymakers, and residents to work together to ensure that the benefits of urban redevelopment are shared and do not come at the expense of the communities that have been foundational to the American identity.
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