Sixth Annual Gentrification and Equity Bus and Study Tour

On March 25, MADSA co-sponsored our 6th annual bus and study tour of inner-city African American neighborhoods resisting displacement by gentrification and stadium development, together with the Peoplestown Revitalization Corporation, the Housing Justice League, and #ATLisREADY. DSA members, housing justice activists, 14 Georgia Tech students and community leaders visited four neighborhoods that are threatened by corporate interests – with the support of City Hall.

Columbus Ward, president of the Peoplestown organization, who was honored at MADSA’s Douglass-Debs awards dinner in November, led the tour, with Tim Franzen of the Housing Justice League and MADSA member and Ga. Tech Prof. Emeritus of Planning Larry Keating (above, standing, third from left). Avery Jackon of #ATLisREADY, Ga. State U. Prof. of sociology Deirdre Oakley, and housing justice organizer Allison Johnson also briefed us on the history and current issues affecting the communities. The highlight as always was our visit to the threatened Peoplestown homes of GSU law professor Tanya Washington (left) and Bertha and Robert Darden, and the home of Ms. Mattie Jackson (center) – who after a courageous campaign with community support was told last year that she will not be displaced, and celebrated her 95th birthday during our visit! Photos: Reid Freeman Jenkins