Hearts Of South Central: Narratives of Gentrification and Health Part 2

Public Allies, Los Angeles Class 2017-2018 Team Service Project

ABOUT:

For this year’s 2017-2018 Public Allies Los Angeles cohort, one of our Team Service Projects focused on the effects of gentrification on health. We will be publishing a series of interviews, poem, and infographics created and conducted by Allies that capture community member experiences from South Central Los Angeles.

These collective poems, interviews, and narratives provide insight on the impacts of gentrification and displacement on the health of South Central residents.

Poem by South Central Resident

Poetry and Photo  by I.O

Gentrification why you fucking up my lungs?

Like if I don’t have enough to deal with Train keeping me up at night

Alternating silence….

My stress level so high I just can’t keep quiet

I want change For my brothers and sisters

Not to have to worry about another gun shooting drive-by

Or the pollution that they drink breathe and eat

We’re just a Brown family trying to get by

Fuck gentrification! I’m out -I.O