Hurricane Katrina and the Effects of Gentrification on African American Communities

Abstract

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area and entire gulf coast. Although the storm was horrific, that aftermath of the storm was catastrophic. The levee system in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana failed causing widespread destruction of the communities and the displacement of thousands of residents. As a result, many residents were displaced and were unable to return to their communities. British sociologist Ruth Glass coined the term gentrification to describe the displacement of lower income class residents by people of higher incomes who come into urban areas and restore the housing and businesses within that community (Aka, Jr.). The purpose of this research is to study the affect of gentrification on African Americans communities, such those in New Orleans ruined by Hurricane Katrina. According to previous studies conducted, deteriorated communities like those in New Orleans after Katrina once reinvested and gentrified displace older residents permanently, but also changes the heritage and culture that once filled their community.