An IMPACCT BROOKLYN must read
“The Invention of Brownstone Brooklyn” by Suleiman Osman, offers a captivating exploration of Brooklyn’s remarkable transformation from industrial slum to a coveted landscape of gentrification. Osman delves into the complex dynamics of how white middle-class liberals, seeking authenticity and refuge from suburban conformity, revitalized the borough’s brownstones while grappling with issues of displacement and cultural preservation.
Through meticulous historical analysis, Osman challenges the notion that New York City’s renaissance started in the 1990s, tracing the roots of gentrification to the cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s. This groundbreaking work sheds light on the origins and complexities of urban renewal, revealing the intricate interplay of race, class, and community in shaping the landscape of modern Brooklyn.
