Space and sound emerged as unique factors in gentrification dispossession in our list. The depth of this understanding tremendously expanded as we analyzed and categorized over 239 articles on gentrification. In fact, we noticed a concerted effort to remake neighborhood spatial and acoustic memory through multiple schemes, including:
New Infrastructure- i.e. Signs and Sidewalks
Artisanal/boutique businesses
As Ágnes ERŐSS noted, “The new possessor of power takes efforts to inscribe its hegemony into the landscape, in many cases by erasing or silencing counter narratives…The majority ethnic group, as the possessor of power is in a more favourable position to control and/or limit the access of minorities to be visually present in the cityscape.”
Conflict over space by extension also impacted sound – as gathering places became sites of complaints and harassment regarding noise. This was certainly the case for Batala. The fact is place and sound have become weapons to neutralize the memory of black spaces. This is why #DontMuteDC has become an important counterpoint for asserting cultural identity and rights of traditional residents.