Subtitle: Navigating Gentrification: Protecting Small Businesses and Communities
In the realm of urban development, the term “redevelopment” often carries a hopeful promise of revitalization and progress. Yet, behind this façade lies a stark reality: redevelopment, when not accompanied by anti-displacement strategies, can morph into gentrification, leaving a trail of disruption and dislocation for longtime residents and small businesses.
At its core, gentrification represents a paradoxical phenomenon. While it promises economic growth and urban renewal, its unchecked progression often leads to the displacement of longstanding residents and the erosion of community cohesion. As investments flood into historically disadvantaged neighborhoods, the need for local policies to stabilize current residents and shield them from displacement becomes paramount. As a new member of the and proud participant in the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network (SBAN), Bigger Than Food Foundation recognizes the urgency of this issue. Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to ensure that small business owners, workers, and residents benefit equitably from neighborhood investments, fostering financial health, wealth, and long-term stability.
Our recent case study submission to SBAN’s RFP underscores our commitment to impactful anti-displacement efforts and underscores the importance of shared learning to fortify policy advocacy and coalition building.
Displacement, in its various forms, has plagued marginalized communities throughout history. From the forced removal of Native Americans in the 1830s to the destruction of Black neighborhoods during urban renewal in the 1960s, the repercussions of displacement reverberate through generations. Today, displacement manifests in the form of soaring housing costs, business closures, and dwindling opportunities for upward mobility. National trends reveal the staggering scale of displacement, with over 110,000 Black residents and 24,000 Hispanic residents displaced from urban areas due to gentrification between 2000 and 2013 alone.
In August 2017, I began comparing my experiences living in Houston’s Third Ward and its victories against gentrification versus what was happening in plain sight in Northeast OKC. There was a lot of work needed toward coalition building among Black people, identifying which leaders to align with or not, and familiarize myself with the overall vision for revitalizing Northeast OKC. Shockingly, when you seek the truth, you find out there “kinfolk” participating in the sociopolitical atrocities in the dark and by day speak in motivational tones with slithering tongues.
By the end of October 2017, Buy Black The Block was created at the dinner table in my home and later became known as the NEOKC Developers Conference. This conference was a catalyst to mobilize community-led strategies and investment.
Displacement’s ripple effects are profound, rupturing the fabric of communities and jerking stability from residents’ grasp. Families are uprooted, culture is watered down, hope shattered, and community anchors extricated.
To combat displacement, policymakers must author and vote in support of inclusive development, stabilize vulnerable communities, and allocate funding directly to grassroots organizations. As for citizens, we must vote, and support candidates based on their track record and hold them accountable in exchange for their vote. In a nutshell, go to the polls and vote EVERY TIME! By fostering inclusive development, expanding access to job opportunities, and addressing housing affordability, we can create resilient communities that thrive in the face of urban transformation. Moreover, we must adopt data-informed approaches to measure displacement, identify vulnerable neighborhoods, and tailor solutions to their specific needs. By embracing these principles, we can forge a path towards equitable urban development that uplifts all residents.
However, amidst these challenges lies a deeper lament: the gatekeeping that stifles community cohesion and progress. For over two decades, the Black neighborhoods have weakened, shackled by systemic inequities and thwarted by internal discord. Redlining and discrimination, though formidable foes, pale in comparison to the divisiveness within our ranks.
Community is not merely a geographic location; it is a shared sense of belonging and interconnectedness that transcends physical landmarks. By fostering inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and promote collaboration, we can harness the collective power of our communities to drive positive social change. For Black communities in Oklahoma City and beyond, inclusivity is not a choice—it is a necessity. By dismantling barriers and embracing collective action, we can build a more equitable future for all.
For Black people in the OKC area, unity is not just a virtue; it’s a survival strategy. We cannot afford the luxury of gatekeeping, not when our population is leaving the state, and our challenges loom large. Let us open our doors wide, inviting all Black people who seek to join hands in pursuit of a brighter future for every Black people, regardless of their ZIP code.
In conclusion, as we navigate the tumultuous waters of redevelopment and gentrification, let us anchor ourselves in principles of equity, resilience, and community. The fight against gentrification requires collective action, inclusive policies, and unwavering commitment to community empowerment. As advocates for economic justice, we must stand united in our efforts to protect vulnerable communities, uplift small businesses, and create a more just and inclusive society. Together, we can build a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive in Oklahoma City, regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status.
Author: Apollo Woods, MBA
