Hemphill No Se Vende, Spanish for “Hemphill is not for sale,” describes itself as a coalition defending Fort Worth’s Southside from gentrification. Its members hold workshops and meetings, share information online and connect residents with resources about zoning and development proposals.

The group’s work comes as development is proposed in the area. Hemphill Street runs from West Lancaster Avenue to Southwest Loop 820, and the coalition’s slogan appears in local business windows and on a neighborhood mural.

Community advocate Ricardo Avitia said the group wants residents who have lived in the area for years to understand their rights and have a say in decisions affecting their neighborhood. He and fellow advocate Angie Blochowicz said the goal is not to reject all development, but to ensure new investment serves people who already live and work there.

Blochowicz said families have deep roots along the corridor, with generations living near one another. She hopes younger family members will be able to afford to stay in the neighborhood as adults.

Avitia pointed to Fort Worth’s Near Southside and Fairmount areas as examples of how rising property values can coincide with longtime residents leaving. He said residents may not benefit from increased values if they are not equipped with information about development and its potential effects.

The coalition is also working to make civic information easier to access. Avitia said working-class residents often have limited time to attend meetings or study zoning while managing work and family responsibilities. Blochowicz noted that many public meetings take place during work hours, so the group uses social media to share and stream information when residents can access it. She also hosts programs at The Forkyard, a space for education, conversation and cultural sharing.

One of Hemphill No Se Vende’s early efforts was opposing a proposed rezoning on Hemphill Street. Blochowicz said some people viewed the effort as opposition to progress, but the coalition says it aims to give residents information so they can decide for themselves.

The advocates say they are now working with the Hemphill Corridor Development Collaborative to build cooperation along the street. Avitia said the group supports positive development that can improve safety and quality of life, while preserving community history and residents’ ability to remain in the neighborhood.