Growth vs. Preservation

New Orleans’ historically Black neighborhoods, like Treme and the Marigny, are changing rapidly. Gentrification is sweeping through, displacing residents and altering the cultural fabric. As developers move in, the city’s unique character faces new challenges. The big question remains: Can New Orleans balance growth while preserving its deep-rooted culture?

Gentrification and Its Impact on New Orleans’ Black Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods like the Marigny and Bywater once housed working-class Black families, artists, and musicians. Now, new residents are buying up property, driving up housing prices, and pushing locals out.

Alice Johnson, a lifelong Marigny resident, says, “Everything’s more expensive. It feels like we’re being priced out of the place we call home.” Rising property values and rent hikes have made it harder for many Black families to stay in these areas.

While gentrification has brought new businesses, it has also created displacement. Long-time residents, especially Black families, face pressure to sell or move as costs soar. This shift drastically alters the cultural landscape, threatening the essence of New Orleans’ Black neighborhoods.

The Displacement Crisis

Displacement caused by gentrification hits Black communities hardest. In Treme, one of New Orleans’ oldest Black neighborhoods, families with generations of history feel the squeeze.

As wealthier, often white residents move in, they change the makeup of these neighborhoods. The traditions, culture, and people who once defined Treme are slowly disappearing. The Data Center reports that Black residents in New Orleans are disproportionately affected by this trend.

Darrell Washington, a local activist, explains, “It’s not just homes; it’s culture. We’re losing what made New Orleans special in the first place.”

Preservation Efforts in Treme and Beyond

Despite the rapid changes, preservationists fight to keep New Orleans’ Black cultural heritage alive. In Treme, activists work hard to protect historical landmarks and important sites. They know preserving physical structures isn’t enough. They need to keep the people and culture intact.

Groups like Save Our Soul are advocating for affordable housing and tax freezes for long-time homeowners. These initiatives aim to protect Black families from the pressures of gentrification. “We need development, but we can’t lose our communities in the process,” says Janine Taylor of Save Our Soul.

Artists and musicians play a big role in these preservation efforts. They create murals and performances that highlight the history and culture of these areas. They remind residents and newcomers alike of what’s at risk. Gentrification can change the physical landscape, but it shouldn’t erase the cultural identity of these neighborhoods.

Related: Project2025NOLA

Andreanicia Morris heads HousingNOLA. She hosts a weekly talk show on WBOK 1230am discussing what she terms “the housing crisis in New Orleans.” She lists insurance, high rents, substandard rental stock and other factors that contribute t the crisis. Her plans include:

 Providing high-quality, safe, and accessible housing affordable to individuals and families of all income levels throughout New Orleans.

In order to accomplish this vision, HousingNOLA uses the following goals to benchmark its progress in specific areas within the housing and community development sector:

1. Preserve existing housing and expand the total supply of affordable rental and homeownership opportunities throughout the City of New Orleans
2. Understand where displacement is happening in New Orleans and prevent future displacement
3. Enforce and promote fair housing policies throughout New Orleans
4. Encourage sustainable design and infrastructure for all New Orleanians
5. Increase accessibility for all residents, including special needs residents 

Can New Orleans Strike a Balance Between Growth and Preservation?

Is there a way to balance gentrification and preservation in New Orleans’ historically Black neighborhoods? Some believe it’s possible with the right policies. Affordable housing programs, community land trusts, and support for long-time residents can help ease the pressures of gentrification.

Developers need to work more closely with local communities. By collaborating, they can ensure growth doesn’t come at the cost of erasing Black culture. But for many, these solutions may not be enough to halt the damage already done.

Darrell Washington notes, “Affordable housing helps, but it’s about respect for what’s already here. Developers need to respect the people and the history.”

Gentrification Threatens New Orleans’ Cultural Identity

New Orleans stands at a crucial moment. Gentrification has the potential to bring economic growth, but it also threatens the city’s soul. Preserving historically Black neighborhoods like Treme is more than just saving buildings. It’s about saving the people and culture that make New Orleans unique.

If New Orleans can’t strike the right balance, it risks losing its identity—one neighborhood at a time.