For this multimedia project, I am combining both video and and an art piece. These two pieces as a whole focuses on the issue of gentrification. The video is based on the song “We The People” by A Tribe Called Quest. The songs lyrics speak on many political topics such as police brutality, racial misrepresentation in media, discrimination, and inequality of women. but mostly gentrification. The images used illustrate the meaning of the songs lyrics. The people that are removing lower income communities are focused primarily on the money they will receive and not about the people they are displacing. The physical aspect of this project is meant solidify the idea that real people are being pushed out.

Growing up in Miami, Fl, I was surrounded by a melting pot of different cultures, foods, traditions and rituals. Neighborhoods where all these important aspects are present are being replaced by glitzy luxury stores, pricey city centres and high rises. I saw this dislocation in areas that I would pass by on a daily basis, and now it is present in areas that I grew up around. I was aware of this issue before, but never realized the magnitude of it until I came to New York City. Here, I have met so many people from areas that are being currently being threatened by gentrification. These people have told me stories of how they were pressured to leave homes they have grown up in because  they simply couldn’t afford the price increase. I think this piece brings awareness to those that aren’t directly affected by gentrification, and aren’t aware of how this affects people in communities.