What does 'claim' mean here?

Hi, half an hour ago, I posted my question as a registered member, but for some reason it does not show up. Please let me post again.



The following is a passage from Naipaul’s essay:

(Situation: The writer and Howard are visiting Howard’s home town in the South, U.S.)



“There was a small town center, a small rich white suburb attached to that town, and then outside that a black area. The differences were noticeable. But Howard, near his home now, appeared to claim both the white area and the black area.”



I do not understand what the word “claim” means here.



1) Can the last part be paraphrased as

‘…appeared to claim that both (rich white suburb and the black area) are the white area and the black area.’

or

2) Does he think that both areas belong to him?

(same usage as in “Does anyone claim this watch?” ?)



Any help appreciated.