Opposing ‘Gentrification’ vs. Fighting ‘Desegregation’
What’s the difference, you ask?
Desegregation involves opening up opportunities to people who have been denied access to said opportunities due to race, gender, or religion. People have different ideas about how to accomplish this mission. But it’s hard to argue against the concept itself.
We’re more than a half century removed from the historic civil rights legislation put into place by the federal government. Now, mostly among identity groups preferred and protected by The Left, we’re hearing about Gentrification.
Gentrification involves people of one particular race or gender or faith moving into an area that has “historically” been the overwhelming domain of another specific race, gender, or faith. Black residents in NYC’s Harlem have been hollering for years about non-black folks investing in or moving into their historically-black community. Shockingly, the hollerers get some sympathy. Imagine if the story involved white residents complaining about blacks or Mexicans moving into their neighborhood.
Virginia Military Institute and The Citadel – two very prestigious schools – came under fire from leftists decades ago for not admitting non-whites or for not admitting women. School defenders argued about protecting the history and traditions of the schools. But those protests fell on deaf ears. Apparently, only certain people’s “history” and “traditions” are allowed to be protected.
The Town of Southern Pines, here in Moore County, has produced a draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan addressing “history” and “tradition.’‘ The town and its consultants, in their draft report, address concerns about the “gentrification” of West Southern Pines – a predominantly black section of town with origins dating back to segregation. The area came to life thanks to black folks not being allowed to live in other parts of town. We’re in a new era now, and that prohibition has ended up in the trash 
bin of history.
Apparently, some “community leaders” over on the west side of Southern Pines are concerned about the number of white folks seeking to invest in, redevelop, or move into the area. That is taking a sledgehammer to the area’s ‘black heritage’, we’re told.
I thought we settled all this about fifty years ago or so.
Codifying a prohibition against non-black investment and / or residency in West Southern Pines is abhorrent to say the least. Black folks who argue against ‘gentrification’ should be ashamed of themselves. You’re using a lot of the same arguments The System used against YOU when you fought for the right to vote and use the same facilities as everyone else.
West Southern Pines is a remnant of a time that should remain buried in history. That community ought to welcome with open arms ANYONE seeking to invest in good faith in their side of town. Take a ride through the west side, and you’ll see a community in need of investment. It ought to be welcome from ANYONE wishing to give it a try.
News Flash—the law does not forbid blacks from moving into white neighborhoods nor does it forbid whites from moving into black neighborhoods. It’s just that simple. It wasn’t always this way, but it is now.
It is not uncommon for neighborhoods near a town’s core to become desirable for re-development regardless of the race or color of the residents. In most cases, the current makeup of those neighborhoods would resist change. The real estate market place includes individuals willing to purchase properties with the intent to redevelop sites for resale. It may be the interests of the community in general to carefully review zoning regulations in such neignborhoods in a manner to coincide with the overall zoning plan of the community.
Southern Pines has exhibited an appetite for multi-family units near or incorporated into the town core, which has advantages and disadvantages for the long term plan…and the infuences on the need for Schools, Infrastructure, Law Enforcement, Utiliities, and Traffic Patterns.
Perhaps a review of the Town Mission Statement, Long Range Plan, and general respect for existing residents is due. These decisions should not be influenced by Developer’s ambitions.