Affordable housing and racial stratification in housing markets. That’s the topic of an upcoming lecture presented by Grand Valley State University and the City of Grand Rapids. Columbia University professor and author, Lance Freeman will present.
The topic: “Whites moving into Black neighborhoods: Gentrification or Advent of an Integrationist Era?” is sure to prompt lots of discussion. And that’s what GVSU associate professor of history, Matthew Daley says sponsors are looking for.
"What we are hoping is really to get community participation, to think about Dr. Freeman's work and how it really impacts Grand Rapids and the changes that are going on in neighborhoods the West Side, historic districts, East town. And to really try to draw the community in to discuss the impacts of gentrification, how those are both of benefit and where the challenges really lie. And there are challenges."
Daley, studies and is very familiar with urban history. He says Monday’s lecture by Lance Freeman, professor of urban planning at Columbia, and the panel discussion that will follow is meant to open the door for talk about revitalization, neighborhood history and diversity. A straightforward look at what’s currently happening in Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods. Though he says it could be a tough conversation.
"And that's something that Dr. Freeman really touches on in his work; is that gentrification is viewed often times as dislocation, removing people, pushing them aside and that does happen. But for Dr. Freeman, he argues that there is more to it than that, and that there's both benefits that come to communities and that's a mixed mind, that it isn's a uniform idea."
Daley says the event, sponsored by Grand Valley State University and the City of Grand Rapids is meant to engage the community and start a dialogue.
The event begins with a reception at 6 on Monday, followed by a lecture and panel discussion at 6:30 at the Loosemore auditorium at the DeVos Center downtown. It’s free and open to the public.
