Gentrification

Throughout Halsey Street Coster describes the changes that occur due to gentrification, arguing that the negative effects outweigh any benefits. Ralph’s record store, once a landmark in Bed-Stuy and a source of joy for the people that lived there, is forced to close down due to rising rent. The importance of his store was recognized by himself as well as his friends as being a source of hope for the black community; “We all see what Grand Records has done for this neighborhood. I’ve seen people walk in that shop and leave different…To see what’s there, to see what our people created. I’ve seen young people go into that store and they can’t even believe how much good music was made here in Brooklyn, here, by their own people. They walk into Ralph’s store and they see that black...