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s New York City continued to recover from its troubled past during the Bloomberg administration, neighborhoods either underwent gentrification or were left behind. This dichotomy raises a question: which outcome is worse? For some, community improvements are a welcome change, bringing amenities like restaurants and coffee shops that cater to all residents. However, others see these developments as a threat to their cultural identity and a displacement of low-income communities.

    Majora Carter, a native of the South Bronx, has spent over a decade trying to revitalize her hometown through initiatives like Sustainable South Bronx. Despite her efforts, she faced opposition from many neighbors and organizations that served low-income residents. Carter came to realize that these groups were often perpetuating the status quo, intentionally resisting change.

    Carter's experiences echo my own observations as an advocate for gentrification in poverty-stricken areas. While some critics accused me of being a white person telling Black people what's best for them, others rejected Majora Carter's message despite her being a proud daughter of Mott Haven and a dedicated community leader. Her book "Reclaiming Your Community" provides a detailed account of these challenges.

    On Thursday evening, The Real Deal is hosting an event where Majora Carter will discuss her experiences as a community leader and make the case for how the real estate industry can positively impact neighborhoods like the South Bronx.