Gentrification Essay

2935 Words6 Pages

Gentrification is a highly important topic that has not only been occurring all over the United States, but especially closer than we may have thought. San Francisco is home to hundreds of thousands of people who have been a part of how amazing this city has become. San Francisco is one of the most visited places in the world with many of its famous landmarks, endless opportunities not only for daytime fun but also has an amazing nightlife that people cannot get enough of. People come for a great time and could not be done without the help of the people who have grown up to experience and love this city for what it truly is. The cost of living in such an important city has definitely had its affect of lower income San Francisco residents. For decades we have seen changes occurring in parts of San Francisco where minorities live. We have seen this in Chinatown, SOMA, Fillmore district, and especially the Mission district. The Mission District or Mission Bay is the part of San Francisco where most of the Latino community resides and have built it together to show our pride in all parts of this neighborhood. I say "our" because I am someone who was raised in the heart of the Mission District and have not only heard about the issues we have been facing when it comes to gentrification, but I have also experienced it. My story is similar to many other stories in my neighborhood and other neighborhoods experiencing this as well. An apartment where eleven immediate family members once lived became a memory in a blink of an eye. I grew up in this apartment that we had created a comfortable and loving home with many great family memories and events. Although we did not all remain in that apartment with my grandparents, for every occasion... ... middle of paper ... ...ericans, and Asians, to hold the ground (literally and figuratively) against these rapacious corporate invaders." We have to continue to voice our opinions and take a stand for what we know is right and wrong. We have worked hard enough for the U.S and deserve the opportunity to have that American Dream. Becoming activists in our communities is key, but is only half of what is needed to be done. We also need to educate ourselves and our people to become aware of what is happening and what we can do. Through education we gain higher social and economic status. Becoming educated we earn the right to make changes and to be heard. I am proud to be a part of culture that has come from Warriors. We are natural fighters and have the ability to become powerful in a positive way. By helping and supporting each other anything is possible, even saving my home, La Mission.

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