The Impacts of Gentrification on the African American Business Community of Portland, Oregon

The study of the persistence of residential segregation by race has become an area of keen interest for scholars, community organizers, and policy-makers alike. Inquiries made in this subject area enhance our understanding of how racial residential segregation affects such vital urban concerns as poverty concentration, access to public services, employment, and social mobility opportunities. While segregation exists between Caucasians (whites) and most minority groups, none have been so severe or widespread as the segregation that has historically occurred between whites and African Americans (blacks). A field of study has emerged examining the economic implications of residential segregation for communities of color.