Gentrification & Oakland and The African American Culture (Replay)

St.James Project

Today's episode originally aired about a year in a half ago (Part 1). I spoke with Chief Petty Officer Michael Wright who had recently moved to the Bay Area and was dismayed at all the people he saw living in squalor conditions because they could not afford rent. I sat down with PO Wright who has traveled the world extensively and talked gave his thoughts on what was taking place. PO Wright view is from the outside looking in. A former enlistee in the Navy now calls the Bay Area home who has never had any trouble with the law. Most homeless people are deemed to be drug users, uneducated, etc. There is a stigma attached to that lifestyle. I've met so many individuals who have degrees, have jobs, etc. However, they cannot afford the high cost of living in the Bay Area.

Most importantly, I've met many people of color whose roots are here in Oakland. Although this is happening across the US, I was deeply touched by the testimonies I heard from those who've lost their homes, sleeping in cars, with their children and just trying to survive. Not knowing when they will be able to have a normal life, a permanent address. This truly is a crisis that is NOT getting better. We've got to be about our business and digress from all other distractions that continue to divide us in the African diaspora community.

Next week, I will play part II of this interview. Two brothers from two different worlds with two different perspectives.

#Live #Learn #Grow

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