A block away form northeast DC's Union Market - a radically-remodeled culinary destination - dozens of businesses specializing in wholesale jewelry, clothing, groceries, and restaurant supplies operate from a group of run-down warehouses.

When a conspicuously white reporter walks into Eagles Barber Shop on lower Georgia Avenue, several guys there have a question.

“You going to write a story about gentrification?

Though some local residents feel insulted by the word gentrification, the barbers and customers at Eagles want me to hear the word.