We caught up with Kierra Smith, an education specialist, consciously and thoughtfully exploring how African American youth are shaped. We asked her a few questions to learn more about growing up in San Francisco.

Interview conducted by Stetson Hines

What city did you grow up in?

San Francisco CA,

How long have you lived here?

18 years

Can you tell me what it was like growing up being a minority in San Francisco? 

I didn’t see that as an issue growing up. I wasn’t affected by any of the issues we face now. My family was pretty set. We owned homes, and my dad owned a few stores, the one that’s now the fresh produce place by the U.S. Bank on 3rd street, so we were good.

What neighborhood did you grow up in? 

Bay View Hunters Point

How was it growing up in San Francisco? 

No, not that I know of if my family was going through issues. They hid it very well.

Was it difficult? 

No, not that I know of. Suppose my family was going through issues. They hid it very well.

Were there a lot of blacks in your neighborhood? 

Yes, it seems like that’s all it was back then

How was the era you grew up in San Francisco? 

It was Hyphy and Lit we had a great time. It was always something to do

How do you feel about San Francisco today? 

With all the gentrification, it’s sad seeing all of our people being pushed out to Antioch, Oakland, and Oakley from them to live comfortably for a reasonable price.

How many of your friends and family have been displaced due to gentrification? 

Maybe only about 2-3. As I mentioned previously, my family was pretty educated on keeping their stuff, so most of my family still lives here in San Francisco.

How does that make you feel? 

It makes me feel wonderful that they have nice homes, and they could teach me the right way to go about things.

Can we ever go back to the way SF use to be? 

I don’t think we can because they're making it harder for African Americans to succeed with these new laws nowadays.

How can we prevent more displacement? 

These basic courses we take in High School need to teach us how to make it financially, like homeownership, how to get that, and how to keep your stuff.

My last question for you how has San Francisco shaped you into the person you are today? 

It taught me how to be a family-oriented person and how to look out for other people like me.