Gentrification and the decline of African American arts and culture in Washington, D.C.

Abstract

The purpose of this this thesis is to investigate and examine the effects of gentrification on the African American arts and culture scene in the city of Washington, D.C. This study seeks to prove that the effects of gentrification contributed heavily to the displacement of the city’s Black population, while simultaneously contributing to the decline of African-American arts and culture in the city, and disturbing the lives and careers of the African-American artists who call Washington, D.C. home. The study discusses gentrification in the general sense, and moves on to discuss gentrification in the city of Washington, D.C. specifically. The thesis covers the various ways in which gentrification has contributed to the removal and attempted eradication of various examples of African American arts and culture in the city, primarily in its visual arts and music sectors, while questioning the authenticity of other attempts to preserve culture that, in many ways, seems appropriated. The thesis also discusses the notion that there are fewer available resources and funding opportunities for artists of color in Washington, D.C., while examining recent demographic changes in the city, primarily in areas that once held a Black majority that are now populated heavily by White residents. The thesis concludes with the idea that gentrification does, in many ways, contribute to the decline of African American culture in the city. A way to combat gentrification is to recognize and include the already established community as part of the revitalization process to ensure that the community does not feel deprived.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201