The Gentrification of Black Atlanta

As human beings it’s in our nature to value our community. Atlanta is known for being one of the most desirable cities in the South. For African Americans, Atlanta has been a hub for progress and the mecca for black excellence. All throughout the United States, gentrification is on the rise. In one of America’s “blackest” cities, families are being pushed out of their own neighborhoods for new trends and city development.

“They keep trying to buy my house but I tell them no every time, I need somewhere for me and my family to live too,” says longtime resident William Reed.

Photo of William Reed

Mr. Reed has lived in his Vine City neighborhood for over 40 years. Neighborhoods like Vine City have been historically black for over half a decade. At one point these neighborhoods were the only places that African Americans could live without fear of racial attacks. In 1973 the city of Atlanta changed dramatically with the election of its first black Mayor. Every mayor since has been African American and even in 2018 the election of Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms has continued Atlanta’s rich tradition of black excellence.

A list of the past 5 mayors - WABE Radio

Black neighborhoods are at a greater risk than ever. Where there used to be Black churches and community centers that stood for the heart and soul of the civil rights community, now sits for sale lots that will more than likely become a Starbucks or even worse a Kale me Crazy. Although I love a thick green smoothie from time to time, I can’t help but feel a certain type of way when I see pieces of history becoming lost.

In case you’re unfamiliar with how gentrification works I’ll try to break it down the best way I know how. At some point a piece of property in a lower income community becomes for sale. The property is sold for an almost dirt cheap value and a risk taking middle class couple comes along and buys the property in hopes of making it their dream home. Once they remodel the land, other middle class and wealthy families continue this pattern for the cheap prices and trendy neighborhoods.

Photo via Josh Meister

Atlanta house that has been gentrified

Well eventually the property taxes rise for the entire neighborhood and the longtime residents can no longer afford to maintain their home. These black families have had these same homes for numerous generations but with one wrong decision they sell their families only asset. The cycle continues, but now the neighborhoods demographics have changed. Developers are coming in town to build luxurious townhomes, Chipotles , and Lifetime Fitness gyms. From a consumer viewpoint all this seems great. Why wouldn't’ we want easier access to burrito bowls and cheesy gym memberships? On paper it sounds amazing, but we forget about the family of seven whose lived in their grandmother’s house for generations. They are now forced to separate and live in the outskirts of their once beloved and prominent black mecca.

Residents like Mr. Reed have seen their entire lives develop in these influential black neighborhoods. He bought his house when he was 24 years-old. He watched his sons and daughters grow up and become everything he could ever dream of. Reed has watched his neighborhood grow and crumble. He says he will never sell his home but his property taxes continue to rise. He’s seen his neighbors sell their properties left and right. William Reed is scared of what could become of his neighborhood and all the memories that will be left behind.