Essay On Gentrification In Boyle Heights

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Gentrification in Boyle Heights
Introduction
Gentrification has been the center of much debate in recent years. It is the process that involves the movement of more affluent people to an otherwise more politically or economically neglected areas of the city as a result of congestion in the main city centers. This movement starts with a few wealthier members of the society moving into an inner city, which is usually inhabited by members of the minority who belong to lower socioeconomic classes. As more and more affluent people move in, businesses and other establishments start to rise. Upon the increase of the upper-class population who are usually members of the majority ethnic background, the original residents start to feel displaced. A lot of them are being driven away by the …show more content…

According to Eric Avila, a history professor said that the history of the Mexican American has always been a struggle for displacement, dislocation, and conquest since the 1960’s, it should be understood that their anger and grievance be heard rather than push them in an uncomfortable debate (Mejia & Saldivar, 1-5).
The displacement of the original ethnic minority dwellers of the area by more affluent and mobile city dwellers has been the biggest concern of the citizens and activists. In Boyle Heights, the predominantly Hispanic community that is living harmoniously prior to the movement of Beverly Hills Art galleries in the area has been in constant turmoil with regular protests in the streets in front of these galleries. Residents are most concerned about the potential rise in the cost of housing in the area when these Hollywood businesses start to draw in more attention from richer home buyers and corporate