NEW JIM CROW - GENTRIFICATION

We are exploring long-term issues within New York’s form of Modern Segregation and Gentrification, taking in account the possibilities of a better, or even negative, future based on the promises made by those running in this year’s presidential election.

Research Question

How can we successfully regulate and distribute funding in under-sourced communities in New York by not drastically changing the state of the economy the community has put into place?

Introduction

One of New York's enduring issues is the segregation between affluent and under-resourced communities consisting mainly of oppressed groups. These areas still feel the effects of the 1900's Jim Crow and redlining that successfully separated immigrants and African Americans from the more valued group of individuals. Many of the immigrants who have formed these communities have been able to make the best out of a grim situation by creating an economy where they can survive, despite being at the receiving end of marginalization and blatant economic negligence.

The lack of effective governmental aid accompanied by over-policing and a failed educational system become factors contributing to socio-political decline within the vast majority of New York's ethnic enclaves. New Yorkers living in these neighborhoods must choose survival over their well being. If children are set up to fail in school due to the lack of support and resources, they will grow up and fail the system. However, when gentrification occurs, issues like poverty, debt, crime, homelessness, and considerable civil unrest will escalate. The latter is one of the many concerns of New York's lower socio-economic class. In response, our group proposes to supply ethnic enclaves with what they're deprived of: economic progression and equal education.

Public Service Announcement

Throughout history, minorities have been pushed out as well as having their culture erased to a certain extent to make way for the ideal eurocentric life. This is now a custom that has been normalized and even shifted into a new form: Gentrification. African slaves have had their heads shaved (African hairstyle was a visual indicator of a person's class and history), Native Americans have had their homes burned to make room for new colonies, and in modern history, Black, Asian, and Native Americans have faced violence as a result of those wanting them to stay a microcosm in life. The fourth face is to represent mixed people/ those who don't have the racial phenotypic expectation (Latinx, Mid-east, Pacific Islander, etc). This poster is designed for people of different racial backgrounds to take it personally: BIPOC to see it and feel “they can push us out all they want, but we will still be here”. Then, those not of that experience feel sympathy and want to use their vote to make a change.

Infographic

During this unprecedented moment, COVID-19 has been affecting people within ethnic enclaves. Since they do not receive enough funding towards medical care, these neighborhoods have greater results in the number of death rates among NYC. Race and income also play a huge role where high-poverty neighborhoods are at a greater risk than low-poverty neighborhoods. Immigrants and those coming from a low-income background are not able to fully access medical resources.

Final Proposal

Suppose an individual intends to build a business or high-income residences in an under-resourced area, despite having an income that significantly exceeds those in the enclave. A percentage of their earnings must be returned to the neighborhood's public services, including recreational centers that cater to students, supply jobs, and provide aid for the homeless.
As a consequence of a history of enforced labor in America, minority families affected, both directly and indirectly, should receive government aid in the form of the individual or community-wide financial package
Recreational centers that cater to students, supply jobs, and provide aid for the homeless.
The educational curriculum should be modified to fit the needs of those with different learning styles/ abilities and receive the help they need. Different classes cater to different learning abilities that move at the student's own pace.
The curriculum should be modified to where students focus on more logistical thinking than basic memorization in order to get through all their years of education. This will prepare them to easily adapt to anything life throws at them and to learn things more efficiently beyond the classroom.
Courses that teach students their civil and human rights as well as how to be financially stable should replace unnecessary courses or be added to the curriculum as a whole.
Schools and hospitals should provide information on how to access healthy foods/ where are stores that sell nutritious foods near you. Those on welfare/ food stamps should receive discounts and access to organic stores

Meet the Team

Danicka E.

I chose gentrification and modern segregation because I feel like this is an issue that affects people on a daily basis and a lot of people aren't even aware that it is simply because it isn't being talked about. People lose their jobs and homes because of their communities being gentrified, and while a lot of people see gentrification as a good thing, to these people and people who still live in the communities but barely getting by… it's a daily problem.

Mildri I.

I believe that everyone has a voice and that they should use it for the greater good. I am interested in gentrification because I am tired of walking down the street and seeing so many families struggle due to homelessness caused by gentrification.

Alyssa M.

I'm an incoming high school junior who seeks change in my community. I chose this summer to focus on designing for a change and the issue that I am tackling is gentrification and modern segregation. Neighborhoods have been segregated and gentrified over the years, which many people are not aware of. I want to use my voice to inform those that gentrification is actually doing more bad than good to these communities and I hope to be a part of the change one day.

Sherlyn N.

I am an upcoming junior at LaGuardia High school for the arts, majoring in Drama/ Theater Arts. I am interested in Gentrification and Segregation because I am from the communities negatively impacted by this and being able to create something educating others and myself at the same time is something very important to me.