Faculty Affiliate Michael Lens releases a new book, ‘Where The Hood At?’

Faculty Affiliate Professor Michael Lens’ new book, ‘Where The Hood At?‘ examines Black neighborhoods in the U.S. over the past fifty years. He frames his analysis through the rise of hip hop and the uneven progress in neighborhood conditions. Professor Lens finds that while Black neighborhoods in the South have grown and improved, those in the Midwest and Rust Belt are particularly disadvantaged. He challenges assumptions about gentrification, arguing instead that concentrated poverty is the more urgent issue. Lens outlines several bold proposals to uplift Black neighborhoods, including enacting policies and programs that would encourage Black Americans to move back to the South, building more affordable housing in Black suburbs, and regional economic development in areas where Black neighborhoods are struggling the most.