Author: Huda Yousuf

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Desegregating our Public Schools

I recently stumbled upon this editorial on The New York Times, “Confronting Segregation in New York City School.” After doing hours of research on socioeconomic segregation in public schools for our seminar paper, I was immediately drawn to this article. During our presentation, socioeconomic segregation was presented as a result of gentrification. The reality is, however, that low income students have been at a disadvantage for decades as a result of the political system in our country. This goes beyond gentrification and leads back to redlining, mass incarceration, faulty justice system, segregation etc. Schools with a high percentage of low income students have proven to have lower test scores and graduation rates than integrated schools. These schools are also less likely to have qualified teachers and resources compared to more affluent schools. Desegregating schools should not be done for the sole purpose of promoting diversity, but rather to promote equity in the education system.

When asked about this issue, Mayor de Blasio responded “We cannot change the basic reality of housing in New York City.” We cannot have a dismissive attitude when communities of color are constantly being denied the right to a proper education. The article points out that segregation in schooling goes beyond housing and is a result of decades old educational policies that ensure low income students remain at a disadvantage. As a New Yorker, I used to be very proud of the fact that we are a part of one of the most diverse cities in the nation. Although I am still proud to be from New York, we have a long way to go before patting ourselves on the back for being a diverse city. It is extremely unfitting for a city like our own, known for being the “Melting Pot” or “Tossed Salad” to have “one of the most deeply segregated school systems in the nation.”

 

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“The End of Black Harlem”

In class we often discuss the implications of gentrification on neighborhoods of color. However, I realized that many of the readings had a distant, third person perspective of gentrification. Thus far, we have not read any personal accounts of lived experiences of gentrification and displacement. In “The End of Black Harlem,” Michael Henry Adams discusses gentrification in Harlem from a more personal point of view. Adam has lived in Harlem for 30 years and has seen the neighborhood serve as a safe haven for Black immigrants searching for better opportunities.

Over the past decade, Harlem has been attracted many more middle class white residents and tourists. While the neighborhood has received more public funding to build parks and other amenities, it is also beginning to lose its original identity. Historical buildings such as the Renaissance Theater, a significant landmark for Harlem natives has been replaced by newer upscale buildings. The Renaissance was especially important because it was built for the African community in the 1920s, just 60 years post slavery. In many ways, this theatre celebrated black culture and music and simply blackness in general. Moreover, the Renaissance has been an important landmark for the black community because it many notable figures in the community have performed there (Malcom X’s funeral also took place in this hall). When such landmarks that preserve the identity of the neighborhood, are replaced to build new apartments (Note: the rent for such buildings are beyond what many Harlem natives can afford) it is hard for the community to believe that these changes are made for them. Adams discusses that many African Americans believe (rightfully so) that their community is being exploited for wealthier, whiter class.

The African American community has long been victims to displacement and institutionalized racism (i.e. redlining). Adams even explains a personal experience, where a young boy looks over to this friend and remarks “You see, I told you they didn’t plant those trees for us.” So much more can be said about the racial politics of gentrification in Harlem. Harlem is more than just a neighborhood that was once inhabited by the African American community- it served as a safe haven. A space where the post slavery generation could celebrate their identity. Unfortunately, Adams and many other Harlem natives believe the end of Black Harlem is coming too soon.