Clay 1

ANALYSIS

Community Analysis Part Two and Three

Crystal D. Clay
004338700
Wayne State University
Social Work 4020

Clay 2

ANALYSIS

Abstract
The following essay is a continued discussion concerning a community within the city of Detroit.
The Detroit community of 48201 and the process of gentrification is the focus. The discourse
includes problems the area residents encounter due to the process of
gentrification. The discourse concludes with an assessment of the community and a planned
intervention.

ANALYSIS

Clay 3

The following essay is a continued discussion concerning a community within the city of
Detroit. The Detroit community of 48201 is the focus and the process of gentrification. The
system of gentrification has led to many community members feeling excluded and an increasing
divide. Gentrification for many residents is a long-awaited rebirth of a partially dilapidating
area. However, alongside the community "rebirth," is the creation of greater and new
community challenges (McDonald, 2014). The primary concern is to address how to make the
process and community inclusive to all and provide residents a voice in shaping their futures.
The members of the community need assistance in creating dynamic and reciprocal relationships
between community members and their environment (Netting, Kettner, McMutruy, & M., 2012).
Additionally, the community requires help in advocating for policy and institutional change to
ensure enhancement to their quality of life and sustainability in the area for future generations.
In 1980, the area of 48201 consisted of majority African-Americans, primarily women
and children (Government, 1980). There were small concentrations of Asians, Caucasians, and
other diverse groups. The area residents were of mixed income, with a high portion of the
community's residents living at or below the poverty rate. The Detroit Medical Center, Eastern
Market, Cultural Center, portions of Wayne State University campus and currently demolished
Brewster Douglas Projects surround the area (now Brush Park). Therefore, many of the
community's residences were employed by these various industries. Additionally, the diverse
ethnic groups were often attendees of WSU.
In 2015, the community of 48201 is comprised of 70% (8,973) African-American, 19%
(2,527) Caucasian, 6.1% (780) Asian, and 0.5 (60) identified as other. The male population is
made up of 51% (6,556), and the female is 49% (6,258). The employment rate is 39% (4,977),

ANALYSIS

Clay 4

unemployed 14% (1,726), not in labor force 47% (6,040). The socioeconomics of the area
population are 79% less than $30K (5,921), $39k to $75k 38% (1,286) $75k 17% (225) and
150k 1% (72). There are multiple industries that remained in the area ranging from hospitals,
agriculture, service, and corrections. There are currently nine schools in 48201 (Anonymous,
unitedstateszipcodes.org, 2015) (Anonymous, Detroit, MI, 48201 Neighborhood Information,
2015).
The community is primarily comprised of women and children (Government, 1980).
Many of which live at or near poverty levels. 79% of the area residents earn less than $30k
annually with the top 1% earning $150K annually. The socioeconomics of the community
illuminates a large wealth gap between community members. Primarily the area is comprised of
many living at or near the poverty level. The efforts toward change are concentrated on this
portion of the population in the community.
The community has remained resilient over the years, despite often lacking service,
entertainment, and recreation venues, and in dealing with more complex issues related to high
crime and sufficient and adequate housing. The area has held on due to community leadership
from individuals such as Reverend Nicholas Hood Jr., and institutions like the Charles H. Wright
Museum. The two entities proved affordable housing and access to programs for literacy and job
training for the betterment of the community.
Rev. Hood has created a middle and junior high school along with various outreach
programs offered through his church to combat community issues and assist community
members. The Charles H. Wright Museum offers recreation, wellness, nutrition, and job training
programs for members of the area. Both entities view the community lacking opportunity for its
residents and city officials doing little to assist the needing population. They as many others, see

ANALYSIS

Clay 5

poorer, longtime residents being pushed out by such economic factors as rising taxes and rents.
The areas long time residents see abandoned storefronts turned into plush high-end shopping or
restaurants over night. Many find themselves seeing their communities transformed before
their eyes (Bockmeyer, 2000). These residents are trying to find their place within the change
and many times find themselves left out (Freeman & Braconi, 2004). However, more community
participation is required to bring about the needed change for this target population.
The community and its leaders must create coalitions outside of their community and
build strong relationships to assist in fostering change (Netting, Kettner, McMutruy, & M.,
2012). The actions must include and not be limited to- educating the community to how to
define and successfully develop an action plan and gain knowledge to how its highest benefits
are determined, captured, and justly distributed. Additionally, the creation of a neutral space is
needed for resident participation in decision-making concerning land use policies and
development projects. Strategies need to be instituted to protect all residents and give them free
access to public spaces to learn, create, and relax. Community members must lobby city officials
to support and create sufficient amounts of permanently affordable housing for low- and
moderate-income families to meet the citys current and future. Lastly, opportunities are
required for residents to build and own community assets through permanently affordable
housing and community-based enterprise.
In conclusion, the strategy is to shift the narrative and practice of development in a
direction that honors the values of social work. The people of the community are inherently
valuable and should be treated and invested. By promoting the active participation of residents
in the ownership and development of the physical and social elements of their communities,
greater respect is shown. The actions proscribed considers the residents dignity and worth, and

ANALYSIS

Clay 6

providing them self-determination and social justice. The community residents achieve building
a valuable resource in themselves, connection to the citys leaders and become whole with the
city at large.

ANALYSIS

Clay 7

Works Cited
Anonymous. (2015, n.d. n.d.). Detroit, Mi, 48201 Neighborhood Information.
Retrieved November 8, 2015, from movoto,com:
www.movoto.com/detroit-mi/48201/demographics
Bockmeyer, J. L. (2000). A Culture of Distrust: The Impact of Local Politicaal
Culture on Participation in the Detroit EX. Urban Studies (Routledge) ,
37 (13), 2414-2440.
Freeman, L., & Braconi, F. (2004). Gentrification and Displacement. Journal of
American Planning Association , 70 (1), 39-52.
Government, U. S. (1980, n.d n.d). General Population Characteristics .
Retrieved November 10, 2015, from www2.census.gov:
http://www.2census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980/1980census
ofpopu80124unsbw.pdf
Guerrieir, V., Hartley, D., & Hurst, E. (2012). Within-City Variation in Urban
Decline: The Case of Detroit. American Economic Review , 102 (3),
120-126.
McDonald, J. F. (2014). What Happen to and in Detroit. Urban Studies , 51
(16), 3309-3329.
Netting, E. F., Kettner, P. M., McMutruy, S. L., & M., T. L. (2012). Social Work
Macro Practice (5th Edition ed.). (C. Campanella, Ed.) Boston,
Massachucettes, United States of America: Person Education.

ANALYSIS

Clay 8