Blog #6 (and #7)

Last week, Morgan and I met and examined the email Lori sent us and we used additional sources to come up with an outline of what we are going to use in our Prezzi.  This week we have emailed Amory and set up an appointment with her to basically become more official.  We want to check and double check that our Prezzi will be made available to not just the Team Leads, but also the volunteers.  We are meeting with Amory on Monday and will give her the completed Prezzi so that she will have a better idea of what it is we are seeking to do.

Blog #5

I thoroughly enjoyed reading individual stories in the book Images of America Austin's Rosewood Neighborhood, which added to the deep, rich contextual history of East Austin.  A couple of things caught my eye that I would like to share.  I found it very interesting that President Bill Clinton visited the Rosewood Recreation Center in East Austin prior to a neighborhood-wide cleanup.  This seems very similar to what UT does every year with The Project. Maybe we can call President Obama to come give an opening speech to kick off The Project!  I think it is pretty cool that a Juneteenth Celebration still occurs in Rosewood Park (the first celebration was in 1900).  Also, something that has remained a huge part of the Rosewood community churches. Many of the churches have been around for over 100 years.  The process of changing the name of 19th street to MLK is quite interesting.  Many people did not want the change because they protested the patronizing gesture of dedicating only that section of the boulevard that runs through predominantly black neighborhoods.  The name was still changed.  I, personally, don't see it as offensive.  This book was really cool to read and I loved seeing pictures with each story, making it easier to visualize.

Blog #4

“Gentrification is a general term for the arrival of wealthier people in an existing urban district, a related increase in rents and property values, and changes in the district's character and culture.”

My hometown, Marshall, has experienced gentrification is multiple parts of the town.  One neighborhood, called Azalea Way, was once a street full of normal, moderate houses.  It is now a long strip of mansions.  However, because the street is a dead end and not connected to the surrounding neighborhoods, the creation of these houses only affected Azalea Way.  Once the first house was torn down and built to a 5 bedroom, 3 bathrooms place, the property taxes of surrounding homes started to rise.  Eventually, each of the 20 houses were torn down and rebuilt to be nicer and much bigger homes.  

Is Austin's gentrification unique in some ways?  Yes or No, explain.

The gentrification happening in Austin seems very similar to what is happening in Johannesburg.  Hip and overpriced restaurants arise in what is known as the lower income area.  A restaurant called Hillside Farmacy in East Austin parallels with what is hopeful to happen to the Radiator Centre in Johannesburg—two brothers are looking to develop the dilapidated area.  A bar in Johannesburg resembles a coffee shop call Bennu in East Austin because it is a place where people of all different economic statuses coexist. 

What did you learn about gentrification during the East Austin van tour that is informing your view on gentrification?

I was introduced to the term “gentrification” for the first time because of this class.  I had no idea that renovations could have such a negative impact on a society.  I believed that if newer and nicer things are being built, things must have been going well for all parties involved.  However, the idea of gentrification says that culture and history is lost when a group of people are forced out of their neighborhood simply because they are unable to keep up with the price increase.