Very few neighborhoods have been gentrified as extensively as the 14^th and U Street corridor in northwest Washington, DC.   Once known as Black Broadway and for having a vibrant black business community, the neighborhood was devastated by the riots that ensued after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The area suffered further decline with the construction of the Metrorail infrastructure, which ultimately resulted in the demise of the black businesses along U Street, except for three – Industrial Bank, Lee’s Florist and Ben’s Chili Bowl.  On September 24^th, students in the Gentrification class took a field trip to the 14^th and U Street corridor where they met with Doyle Mitchell, president of Industrial Bank.  Mr. Mitchell spoke about the bank’s 80-year legacy and the history of the neighborhood.   Afterwards, the class walked one block west to Ben’s Chili Bowl where they were greeted by the owner, Ms. Virginia Ali, and watched a video about the history of the world-famous eatery.  The video was followed by a discussion by Marshall Brown, a long-time DC resident and activist, who provided his insights on the transformation of the neighborhood.    Photo:  Gentrification students with Marshall Brown and Professor Leila Batties in front of Ben’s Chili Bowl.