G FOR GENTRIFICATION

by

Kayla Jocson

Chaminade College Prep

7500 Chaminade Ave.
West Hills, CA 91304
(818) 347-8300 Ext. 395
FADE IN:
INT. A SMALL VARIETY STORE DAY
MR. THOMPSON, a portly fellow in his mid 60s, stands behind
the counter. A BASKETBALL BOUNCING can be heard from
outside. Several BEEPS come from the cash register as he
rings up MR. WISE.
MR. THOMPSON
Oh, have they put something there since
then? I havent seen any stores on that
side yet.
MR. WISE
They opened a couple months ago.
MR. THOMPSON
Oh wow. I remember when they were
building it.
Mr. Thompson is cut off when a MAN enters the small store.
MAN
Two cent candy?
MR. THOMPSON
Two cent candy, I have that sir.
MAN
What is it?
MR. THOMPSON
Two cent candy. Literally, thats what
it is. Candy for two cents. I have
fruity cherries and strawberries and
some here Mr. Wise.
The man chooses various candies and Mr. Thompson rings him
up.
MR. THOMPSON
Thank you sir.
When the store is empty, there is a loud RINGING. Mr.
Thompson pulls out a flip phone.
MR. THOMPSON
Hello, my beautiful daughter. (beat)
How are you? (beat, laughter) Im good.
(beat) Tell your sister before I do.
Hopefully I can talk to her today if

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 she takes my call that uh... Were
moving... (clears throat) Next week.
(beat) You know, uh, I havent found a
store location yet. Im looking. I
dont want to go too many months
without... a store. (beat) A month and
a half ago the owner came through the
door, and he, uh, reached over, shook
my hand and said weve sold the
property. Couple weeks later, I got a
letter, you know, started out with
Were sorry says you have 45 days.
And thats... Thats it. (beat) They
want a certain look. They dont want a
mom and pop stores... They have another
plan. Were not in that plan.

INT. AN APARTMENT LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

NAIMIAH JENKINS and her parents, NIA and ANDRE JENKINS sit
at the table. They've just finished an early dinner.
NAIMIAH
Mmm...Delicious, as usual dad.
ANDRE
It best be. The good Lord provides, but
do you know how much I had to pay for
these steaks? Fuck all these inflation
bringin asses.
NIA
Excuse your father, Nai, he is still
salty. Someone popped up offering to
buy the building again.
NAIMIAH
Again?
ANDRE
What part of fuck off dont they get?
I aint leavin Oakland. I dont care
how much money they bring in their
briefcases. You know these apartments
are going for
NAIMIAH AND NIA
--fifteen times what we paid for in

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 1979.
Andre only shakes his head and takes a bite from his steak.
NIA
So how is everything with you, baby?
NAIMIAH
Uh, things are good.
Everythings...good. Im applying for a
couple grants here and there.
NIA
Great! So youre okay with money?
NAIMIAH
Yeah, just okay. I started teaching on
the side. Doesnt pay a whole lot, but
it ccovers my bills.
ANDRE
All us artists gotta work, baby.
NIA
We should have sent you to medical
school so you wouldnt have to scrounge
like your artsy-fartsy daddy and me.
NAIMIAH
Mom, stop it. Im actually working on
something right now. I dont have
anything to show you, but Ive been
spending time with Allison Peters. She
was
NIA
I know Allison Peters, Nai. Her
speeches basically pulled me into
feminism.
NAIMIAH
Yeah, I thought so.
ANDRE
So, what are you thinking? Whats your
angle?
NAIMIAH
I dont know yet. Weve just started
talking about this documentary, so I
havent really found an interesting

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 take.
ANDRE
No doubt, youll make it. My babys got
God given talent. Just like her daddy.
(winks)
NAIMIAH
(laughing)
Thanks dad. (beat) Im gonna head home
now. Thanks for dinner.
NIA
Any time, baby. You give me a call when
you get in, huh?
NAIMIAH
Okay, mom. Ill make sure to. See you
later, kay?
ANDRE
Bye baby girl.
Namiah kisses them both on the cheek and leaves. Her own
apartment isnt too far from her parentstheyre on the
same block.

EXT. OLDER APARTMENTS, ACROSS THE STREET, NEWER

CONDOMINIUMS NIGHT
JAMAICAN HIP HOP is blasting from a radio in the lap of
MATEO ESTIVA, a dirty, poorly dressed, obviously homeless
man. He is sitting on the steps of one of the older
apartments.
NAIMIAH is walking home when she hears the song.
MATEO
(shouting)
Ha! Yeah, I see you dancing!
NAMIAH
(laughing)
No, I see you!
MATEO
(shouting in Spanish)
You like it! You know you like it!
(in English)
Im going to turn it up so you can

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 hear. I dont think you can hear it
right?
NAIMIAH
I can hear and see you!
The music gets LOUDER and across the street, MOLLY, a
middle aged white woman opens the door with a scowl. She
has her cat in her arms and they both look furious.
MOLLY
Mateo!
MATEO
Yo!
MOLLY
Would you PLEASE turn off that
reggaeton or go somewhere else?
MATEO
Somewhere else?
MOLLY
Please!
MATEO
Are you kidding me? Hey, listen, I have
some art. You wanna buy art, huh?
Mateo reaches for his cart, showing it to her with a grin,
but Mollys already slamming the door shut. Naimiah reaches
the stoop Mateo sits and grins.
NAIMIAH
Never change, Teo.
MATEO
Didnt plan to, Nai. How you doin
girl?
NAIMIAH
Im good. How you been?

MATEO
I cant complain.
Namiah walks up the steps, followed by Mateo and notices a
white paper folded and taped to the front door.

6
 NAIMIAH
Whats this?
Unfolds the paper and in big text the paper says:
WE BUY HOMES FOR CASH!! 510-659-8263 $$$$$$$
MATEO
They trying to sell you something?
NAIMIAH
(groaning)
No.
Naimiah crumples up the paper and tosses it into the mini
trash bin at the top of the steps.
NAIMIAH
So, what you been working on these
days?
MATEO
Ah, man, you know, Im always busy.
Workin on a new piece, you know. Say,
you want some art?
Naimiah glances at the canvases made of cardboard and
sculptures made of trash. One in particular catches her
eye: in bright, colorful letters is OAKLAND. Each letter
has a different pattern and color. She grins at Mateo.
NAIMIAH
Id love that one. How much you want
for it?
MATEO
No, no, no, no, no, no. You take it!
Mateo shakes his head vigorously no, but Naimiah wont take
it. Shes already pulling out her wallet and rummaging
through it.
NAIMIAH
I only have ten on me... But when I get
paid, Im giving you more, okay?
MATEO
Youre too much Nai.
Mateo takes the money and Naimiah grabs the scrap piece of
cardboard, stares at it for a moment and walks up the steps
of the building. She pulls her keys out of her bag, and

7
before opening her door, she casts an appreciative gaze
over Mateo.
NAIMIAH
You know, Teo, you were one of the best
artists at our school.
MATEO
Thank you, Nai. Have a good night,
alright?
NAIMIAH
Thanks. You too.
Naimiah heads into the building.

INT. LAUNDRY ROOM

NAIMIAH has earbuds in listening to some new POP song and
she sits on the dryer with her basket next to her. In her
lap is a book and shes oblivious to AARON whos just
walked in with his own hamper of clothes. He sets it down
and taps her shoulder to her attention.
AARON
Hey, Nai.
NAIMIAH
(loudly)
Hey Aaron!
When she notices him wince at her voice and she takes out
her earbuds.
NAIMIAH
(normally)
How ya doin?
AARON
Found out what theyre putting at Mr.
Thompsons store.
He hands her a paper that was ripped off Mr. Thompsons old
store front.
NAIMIAH
Another cupcake store? But weve
already got the one of San Pablo Ave.
Why do we need a new one?

8
 AARON
I think we know that we arent the ones
who needed it.

INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY

NAIMIAH opens the door as quietly as she can. It still
SQUEAKS open, and shes greeted by MISS RITA, a 53 year old
Filipino woman who has owned the building since 1984. Miss
Rita is sitting by herself, staring out the window.
NAIMIAH
Hey Miss Rita.
MISS RITA
Mmm mmm mmm. No hey Miss Rita. Sit over
there.
NAIMIAH
I know, I know, I know. The check. I
can explain this time.
MISS RITA
Naimiah, I dont like checks that
bounce. Being a landlord is a business,
and you messin with my business.
NAIMIAH
I know, but
MISS RITA
Please, understand this. The minute you
leave, I could get three times as much
rent from these white folks as what Im
chargin you right now. Excuse my
language, but, Nai, you gotta get your
shit together. You are a grown woman
now. (beat) Now, Ill give you two days
to get it to me. After that, you can
hire a moving van, or all your things
will be right here (points) on the
street.
MONTAGE - VARIOUS
A) EXT. OAKLAND STREETS DAY - Naimiah walks down with six
dogs surrounding her.
B) EXT. BART STATION DAY Naimiah stands by the entrance,

9
 singing and playing a guitar. Her case is at her feet.
People walk by.
C) INT. CAR DAY An UBER and LYFT sticker are visible on
the dashboard of the car and Naimiah is in the drivers
seat.
INT. CLASSROOM DAY
A loud SCHOOL BELL rings and seventh graders run out of the
class. MS. ELLIOT, Claremont Middle Schools dean, allows
the students to exit, then walks through the classroom
door. She has a white bankers envelope in her hand.
NAIMIAH is at the desk, her head in her palms. Her heels
CLICK on the floor with each step.
NAIMIAH
Hey, Ms. Elliot. (beat) Could you give
me a minute, please?
MS. ELLIOT
(while grabbing a chair and
taking a seat)
I know how you feel, darling. I know
that it could be that time of the
month. Or not enough sleep last night
for any reason. (beat) Or... You, Miss
Jenkis, have a case of hustle-itis.
NAIMIAH
Hustle-itis?
MS. ELLIOT
When you are doing way too much to make
ends meet.
NAIMIAH
Yes. That.
MS. ELLIOT
I understand. So let me give you this
piece of advice: ever let the hustle
work you. You have to work the hustle.
Youll be okay. You are a winner,
Naimiah.
NAIMIAH
Thank you... I needed that today.
MS. ELLIOT
(while handing her the envelope)

10
 Here.
INT. MR. AND MRS. JEKINS LIVING ROOM DAY
ANDRE, NIA, and NAMIAH all sit at the same table they were
at days before. Theres no food there today.
NAMIAH
I wouldnt ask you guys if I didnt
really need it.
NIA
Baby, I really wish we could help, but
we just paid the mortgage, utility.
Were just strapped.
NAIMIAH
(dejectedly)
Mm hmm.
Andre reaches over for Naimiahs hand. He puts cash into
her hands, patting it softly.
ANDRE
I know how hard it is for you to ask
for help. Thats a gift, Nai, not a
loan.
NAIMIAH
I appreciate your generosity, but this
is a loan, and I will be paying you
back.
ANDRE
Okay baby girl, a loan.
INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY DAY
BUZZ. The door opens and MISS RITA opens the door with a
grin.
NAIMIAH
(holds up the envelope)
Tada!
MISS RITA
(takes it)
I saw you walking those white folks
dogs, Nai. I admire your ingenuity.
NAIMIAH
Thanks, I really appreciate that. Um,

11
 Im about $30 short, but if you--
MISS RITA
No, thats okay. Ill add that to next
months rent. I know you workin hard.
Just try to pay me on time, and no more
bounced checks.
NAIMIAH
Agreed.
INT. A MEDIUM SIZED ROOM
NICOLE, a 34 year old woman with platinum blonde hair and
bright blue eyes stands in the front of the room. She is
the owner of the new condominiums. BANG. BANG. BANG. Almost
everyone on the block is there: NAIMIAH, NIA, ANDRE, MISS
RITA, MATEO, AARON, and several others.
NICOLE
Please, everyone, settle down!
MATEO
(muttering)
Since when did she have a gavel?
The clamoring doesnt cease. This is the 13th item on her
agenda. People are restless.
NICOLE
Alright, I appreciate you all coming
out tonight, I really do. This is the
last thing, promise. (crowd quiets)
Every other day, I have been seeing
the... Newer homes and businesses
defaced with a large green G.
ANDRE
The g is for gentrification. Dont
leave that part out.
AARON
Graffiti was here before us, itll be
here after were gone.
Theres another uproar of noise: both for and against the
sentiment until Nicole BANGS the gavel once more.
NICOLE
Mr. Ali, are you proposing that we
accept defacement of our community?

12
 AARON
No, Im saying we have bigger fish to
fry. (beat) Like why have all the black
and brown folk been kicked out of
Martin Luther King Jr. Park just for
playing basketball and soccer?
Several murmurs from the crowd.
NICOLE
There were noise complaints.
AARON
Mm hmm, yeah right.
NICOLE
(ignoring Aarons remarks)
But right now, we are talking about
vandalism. And I believe it is clear
who our culprit is.
MAN #1
Who?
NICOLE
Mateo.
Nicole gestures towards the homeless man who sits behind
Naimiah and Aaron
MATEO
Nah, nah, nah nah. You got that wrong!
You got the wrong Puerto Rican!
NAIMIAH
Nicole, really? Come on.
AARON
Leave the man alone.
NICOLE
No, he clearly has an agenda to scare
the newer neighbors of Oakland.
NIA
Teo is a part of the community.
(muttering)
Unlike some people.
ANDRE
Hes the heart and soul of our block.

13
 NICOLE
He is not my heart or soul.
WOMAN #1
Theres the problem. You dont have
none of that.
NICOLE
The man is a mental case.
Naimiah stands up, crossing her arms.
NAIMIAH
Youre right, Nicole. Teo does have
mental issues. Hes seen all kinds of
horrible things in Afghanistan,
defending that red, white, and blue
flag in your window.
Theres a loud applause as Naimiah takes her seat. Mateo
stands up and salutes all four sides of the room, ending
with the front and looking straight at Nicole.
NICOLE
I hear you, Naimiah, and I respect
everyone who serves, but the man is a
vagrant.
WOMAN #1
No, he is an artist.
MATEO
Un artista!
WOMAN #1
Have you even seen his work
NICOLE
No, I havent seen his work, but I have
smelled the mess hes made out of my
garbage.
MAN #1
He does leave quite a mess! To see the
sidewalk covered in trash
MATEO
Oh, the terror! A trashy mess! Children
starving all over the world. Countries
war torn. Patriarchy staining
everything in this country. The FBI

14
 classifies Black Lives Matter as a hate
group.
WOMAN #1 stands up and raises a fist in solidarity.
WOMAN #1
Black lives matter!
NICOLE
Not this again... All lives matter!
AARON
Weve been over this, all lives will
always matter, but you cant use that
as a response to black lives matter,
especially in a country where we are
constantly shown that they dont.
Once again, the hall is a loud mess Black Lives Matter
and All Lives Matter is chanted into room.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDINGS, CONDOS ACROSS THE STREET DAY
BUZZ. BUZZ. AARON is at the bell, speaking into the
intercom. MATEO sits on the bottom steps. There is a BRIGHT
GREEN G that neither of them have paid any attention to on
the condos across the street.
AARON
Hey, uh, Miss Rita? Nai? I let my keys
in my apartment, if one of you could
just buzz me in...
Theres no answer for a second, but loud music rings from
Naimiahs direction. NICOLE leaves condo with her small dog
on a leash. As shes turning to lock her door, she notices
it: the green G for gentrification. She groans.
AARON
Ay, Nai! Hello...?
NICOLE
Oh, my God, I cant.
MATEO
(in Spanish)
Good morning, neighbor.
(in English)
How are you doing today?
NICOLE
Out of all the condos and new
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 businesses, you have to pick mine?
MATEO
(to himself)
Oh, what a beautiful morning...
Nicole sighs, puts it behind her, and allows her fluffy
white dog to walk down with her until she sees it again on
the concrete: another green G for gentrification.
NICOLE
Really?
MATEO
Really what?
It isnt until Nicole starts crossing the street that Aaron
notices their interaction.
NICOLE
Are you kidding? You did this.
MATEO
Youre bugging okay. How about Buenos
dias, Teo?
NICOLE
No I am not bugging.
MATEO
No Buenos dias?
NICOLE
This is my home. My property. And
youre gonna come here and spray stuff
on it? I dont come and paint on your
home... Or whatever it is.
MATEO
I make the neighborhood beautiful, I
dont know what youre talking about.
Nicole pulls out her sleek and shiny iPhone 7, tapping on
it furiously.
NICOLE
Im sick. Im calling the cops. Thats
it.
AARON
Ay, Nai, come down here!

16
 MATEO
What are you calling the cops for?
NICOLE
What do you think?
The two continue arguing and Aaron repeatedly rings the
bell, trying to get Naimiahs attention.
NAIMIAH
Hello?
AARON
Come down, quick.
NICOLE
Every day, I open my door, and youre
here. Every day. You keep the entire
block up with your stupid reggae, I can
never sleep.
MATEO
Where am I supposed to go? I was born
and raised here, aight? This is my
block, this is where I been all my
life.
The apartment building door opens, revealing NAIMIAH, hair
half done.
NAIMIAH
Whats going on?
A SIREN WAILING pulls everyones attention and a car pulls
up in front of the apartment.
MATEO
You actually did call the cops.
NAIMIAH
Aaron, what is going on?
NICOLE
You left me no choice.
COP #1
Somebody call?
NICOLE
I did. This man is defacing my
property.

17
 NAIMIAH
Nicole, what are you doing?
MATEO
Lady, I aint do nothin.
NICOLE
I want you to arrest him.
AARON
For what, for being homeless?
MATEO
Im not homeless, just in transition.
AARON
Youre right, my bad.
COP #2
All right, sir, can I see some ID?
MATEO
Woah, what? I thought stop and frisk
was over. I didnt do anything, okay
officer? I was just pushing my cart
down, like I do every day, minding my
own business and
NICOLE
Oh yeah, really? Scoping out for your
next victims?
MATEO
Now that, is profiling me!
NICOLE
Okay, you know what? Why dont you go
through is trashy cart, because I am
sure you are going to find green spray
paint.
MATEO
Dont call my art cart trash.
AARON
Hes harmless, officer.
OFFICER
Easy.
NICOLE
My property has been defaced two times

18
 with this G for gentrification,
which is reverse racism.
AARON, NAIMIAH, AND MATEO
Seriously?
NICOLE
And he is the one whos responsible!
Mateo finally stands up, holding his ground on the steps of
Miss Ritas building.
MATEO
I didnt do anything!
Instinctively, both officers place a hand on the firearm
strapped to their belt. Mateos eyes widen and he raises
his hands in the air in automatic surrender. There are
several GASPS in the growing crowd.
OFFICER #2
Were not going to ask you again. Show
me some ID please.
NAIMIAH
Why would he have ID?
OFFIVER #1
Come on. I just want to see your ID.
Have a wallet?
OFFICER #2
Go easy, we just want to ask you a
couple questions.
AARON
Yo, he didnt do nothing.
OFFICER #2
No ID? Thats not good.
Officer #2 starts to reach for his cuffs and Officer #1
forcibly puts Teos hands behind his back. Mateo flinches
with each aggressive touch.
NAIMIAH
Teo? Teo? Could you guys- could you
guys just give him some space?
AARON
Chill, chill, chill, chill.

19
 NAIMIAH
Look, just... I did it... Okay? I did
it.
OFFICER #1
What did you say maam?
NAIMIAH
Nicole, I defaced your condo.
NICOLE
We all know this was Mateo. This was
not you.
AARON
Nai, what you talking bout?
NAIMIAH
I said I did this.
OFFICER #2
Come on, lets go.
Shouting and movement. Mateo is jostled by the police as
they pull out cuffs, and everyone is shouting at once.
Thats all it is until Naimiahs voice is the loudest above
everyone elses and shes moved in to obstruct the way of
the officer.
NAIMIAH
Cuff me! Just cuff me!
AARON
Stop, what are you doing?
OFFICER #1
Wait, cuff you? That what you want?
As Officer #1 reaches for his cuffs and wraps them tightly
around Naimiahs skinny wrists, Officer #2 forces Mateos
hands behind his back. Nicole starts to head up the steps
of her condo, small dog in her arms.
OFFICER #2
Woah, hey everyone hold on! Shut up!
Where do you think youre going?
NICOLE
Uh, Im going home.
OFFICER #2
No, no, no. You made the complaint,

20
youre coming too. All three of you.

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