By Ronald W. Weathersby
NASHVILLE, TN — The issues surrounding gentrification efforts in North Nashville will be discussed at a panel sponsored by the Nashville Branch of the NAACP Education Committee this Monday, October 28 in the Appleton Room at Fisk University from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
“The Nashville community seriously needs to understand the full implications of the proposed revitalization” efforts,” Dr. Tallulah Shinault, PhD, NAACP Education Committee Chair said in a telephone interview. “This panel is a public service and informational meeting for our community.”Gentrification is the process by which so-called deteriorated urban property is upgraded by middle-class or affluent people, often resulting in displacement of lower-income people. It is the successor to urban renewal which earned a bad reputation more than a generation ago.
While urban renewal destroyed existing neighborhoods, gentrification fixes up existing neighborhoods. In both cases the historical population is readily cast aside for the new residents. Across the country gentrification has subjugated historical black communities in New York, Washington, DC, Charlotte Atlanta, San Francisco and Nashville.
In recent years the Jefferson Street corridor which was once a thriving artery of black business and culture has become the vocal point of speculation involving developers seeking profitable inner city renewal opportunities. As areas like Germantown, East Nashville and the Gulch have been transformed from lower and middle income communities to trendy districts catering to upper scale residents and tourists The NAACP and other organizations are becoming wary since the historic corridor seems like the only area inside the city left to redevelop.
“It’s amazing how little the community knows about the initiative to change our community,” said Shinault. “We want to raise the awareness of the community in terms of the process and what we can do to challenge the process. One of our objectives is for each participant to understand what gentrification is and what they can do to lessen the negative impact these policies have on our community.”
Shinault says the Historic Jefferson Street Corridor is the victim of “intentional neglect” and says the community must become a part of the planning process if it is to survive.
“We need to be at the table working with the planning department. Current homeowners and business owners should have a Grandfather Clause that will keep their property taxes down as values increase. We are seeking equity and fairness.”
The panel discussion, “The Socio-economic and Political Impact of Gentrification on Poor and Minority Communities” will include panelists: Dr. Shirley Brown, Fisk University, Dr. James Fraser, Vanderbilt University, Dr. David Padgett, Tennessee State University, Dr. Learotha Williams, Tennessee State University and a representative from Metro Planning Commission. It will be moderated by Dr. John Arradondo, President, Nashville Branch NAACP and Ms. Sharon Kay, WFSK General Manager, Fisk University.