Racial Identity Politics in Hyde Park
Hyde Park is recognized as one of Chicago’s most racially diverse neighborhoods. This can be attributed to its urban development over the years. The University of Chicago is one of the main infrastructures that caused a variety of people to migrate to the area. To accommodate the University though, many residential buildings that were mostly occupied by African Americans had to be destroyed. A significant portion of the Black population had to relocate elsewhere because they could not afford the living expenses. Gentrification in Hyde Park created racial tensions and invalidated the identity of African Americans.
When many think of the effects that the University of Chicago has had on Hyde Park, they think of all the new restaurants, cinemas, and stores that have been constructed. What they fail to realize is that this urban development is damaging the lives of the residents of the neighborhood, specifically the low income members. African Americans are the second largest population in Hyde Park, yet they have the second lowest median household income of approximately $40,100 (Statistical Atlas). With the raise in rent and food due to the new constructions, many will no longer be able to afford living there. They are being displaced out of their own community to provide a space for foreigners instead. This invalidates their values and experiences. The elites do not take into consideration the existing cultures of the neighborhood and that the presence of people of color in the neighborhood “will long outlast that of the students and most university appointees” (The Atlantic). Their actions are creating situations that make Black people question their role in the neighborhood. This can be helpful for African Americans though because it grants them time to figure out their racial identity. They are able to “immerse themselves in Black culture”, which will ultimately help them “become secure in their Blackness” (Lott 4). African Americans who are secure with their racial identity are taking a stand by boycotting further additions to the neighborhood if they are going to be at the expense of their culture. These individuals possess a double consciousness, so they are trying to prevent history from repeating itself.
Hyde Park continues to flourish into a metropolitan area and is gaining more popularity. Though its economy is improving due to the increase in revenue, the population of low-income residents is starting to decrease due to gentrification. The gentrification is not only causing people to migrate from the neighborhood, but it has also made African American residents assess their racial identity. One can only hope that this will not be a repeat of history and that the culture of the black community will be preserved and respected.
Works Cited
Jackson, Laur M. "The Hypocrisy of Revitalization: Universities in Black Communities." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 23 May 2016.
Lott, Joe L. "Racial Identity and Black Students' Perceptions of Community Outreach: Implications for Bonding Social Capital." The Journal of Negro Education 77.1 (2008): 3-14. Web.
"Household Income in Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois (Neighborhood)." - Statistical Atlas. Cedar Lake Ventures, Inc, 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 27 May 2016.
When many think of the effects that the University of Chicago has had on Hyde Park, they think of all the new restaurants, cinemas, and stores that have been constructed. What they fail to realize is that this urban development is damaging the lives of the residents of the neighborhood, specifically the low income members. African Americans are the second largest population in Hyde Park, yet they have the second lowest median household income of approximately $40,100 (Statistical Atlas). With the raise in rent and food due to the new constructions, many will no longer be able to afford living there. They are being displaced out of their own community to provide a space for foreigners instead. This invalidates their values and experiences. The elites do not take into consideration the existing cultures of the neighborhood and that the presence of people of color in the neighborhood “will long outlast that of the students and most university appointees” (The Atlantic). Their actions are creating situations that make Black people question their role in the neighborhood. This can be helpful for African Americans though because it grants them time to figure out their racial identity. They are able to “immerse themselves in Black culture”, which will ultimately help them “become secure in their Blackness” (Lott 4). African Americans who are secure with their racial identity are taking a stand by boycotting further additions to the neighborhood if they are going to be at the expense of their culture. These individuals possess a double consciousness, so they are trying to prevent history from repeating itself.
Hyde Park continues to flourish into a metropolitan area and is gaining more popularity. Though its economy is improving due to the increase in revenue, the population of low-income residents is starting to decrease due to gentrification. The gentrification is not only causing people to migrate from the neighborhood, but it has also made African American residents assess their racial identity. One can only hope that this will not be a repeat of history and that the culture of the black community will be preserved and respected.
Works Cited
Jackson, Laur M. "The Hypocrisy of Revitalization: Universities in Black Communities." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 23 May 2016.
Lott, Joe L. "Racial Identity and Black Students' Perceptions of Community Outreach: Implications for Bonding Social Capital." The Journal of Negro Education 77.1 (2008): 3-14. Web.
"Household Income in Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois (Neighborhood)." - Statistical Atlas. Cedar Lake Ventures, Inc, 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 27 May 2016.