Changes in Brooklyn: A New Perspective
A notable change has unfolded in Brooklyn, as noted by Naomi Jackson in her book, “I Miss Black Brooklyn.” She reflects on the stark differences in the community, highlighting her own experiences as a mother in Bedford-Stuyvesant during the summer of 2022. It’s a strange feeling, she notes, to find playgrounds empty—a reminder of the rapid demographic shifts that have taken place.
Such shifts often come with discomfort for those who have lived in an area for a long time. History has seen various groups displaced, whether it was white Americans moving out Indigenous peoples or other populations being pushed aside. No one can fault the Cherokee for wanting to protect their heritage, and yet, similar responses from white Americans are often met with resentment.
Jackson acknowledges the complexities of these changes. Just a few decades back, there wasn’t this conceptual “lack of Meccas,” which seems to be a recurring theme in her observations of urban transformation.
She recounts her move to Old Mill Basin during her middle school years—a neighborhood once home to diverse groups like Jews, Italians, and Irish people. Over time, many families left for places like New Jersey or Florida, and Jackson experienced firsthand how the demographic landscape altered, with fewer white families and a growing presence of Caribbean and African communities.
In her discussion, Jackson presents white people in what seems like a double-bind situation: their presence leads to accusations of gentrification, while their absence is labeled as “white flight,” both considered negative. Moreover, she points out that sometimes simply existing in a space invites microaggressions against others, creating an untenable situation.
Interestingly enough, Jackson’s family arrived in the U.S. fairly recently, in the late 1970s, which raises questions. She seems to overlook that she is part of a more recent wave of immigrants reshaping the landscape. There’s a certain lack of empathy that can come from this perspective, particularly for those feeling displaced.
Jackson’s strong feelings are relatable, though one might remember that Robert Conquest’s perspective often rings true: everyone tends to guard what they know. However, it’s worth noting that not only white individuals exhibit this tendency; it’s a reflection of human nature itself. Plus, there’s an ongoing dialogue that claims immigration is a fundamental human right, a point Jackson might benefit from exploring further.
