Bridge Project 3: Harlem
Not So Bad After All
Harlem does not have the most favorable reputation to those who are not aware of its diverse cultural and traditional background. Rich with African-American and Hispanic heritage, the upbringing of this neighborhood would not be possible without the contributions of its migrants throughout the years. Along the migration came music, food, and cultural traditions that make this neighborhood stand out in all of Manhattan as the hub and center for everything reminding one of back home.
Before it served as a refuge for African Americans after the Civil War, Harlem was struggling to pick up its pieces and establish itself as a thriving city with potential. The year 1868 gave hope to Harlem as those who took refuge, mostly African American, Jewish, and Italian, began developing it, wanting to contribute and establish themselves in their new homes after years of struggle. They introduced the Harlem railroad which connected the neighborhood to the other parts of Manhattan which as a result provided work and economic growth. The Great Migration that took place in the 20th Century increased the Black and Puerto Rican population as more seeked better wealth, education, and opportunity. The two communities are the most prominent in modern Harlem now and contribute the most to its identity.
The Harlem Renaissance was a turning point for the new migrants of Harlem. It introduced academic, artistic, and social exploration. Plays and theater were the first to be introduced, being written and played out by actual African Americans, leaving behind blackface and stereotypical contents. Through sociological lenses, the Renaissance redefined how not only America, but the world was viewing African-Americans. Blues singer Gladys Bentley, poet and novelist Langston Hughes, and the Harlem Boys Choir were only some of the many voices for this new generation of freedom and change seekers. As these changes and newcomers settled down and found their place, they began introducing their own backgrounds and traditions.
Walking down the streets of Harlem, the most recurring image were of restaurants and many different variety of eateries. The most wonderful part of that being the owners and the origins of such locations. Harlem is known for having authentic recipes, true to heritage and tradition, a clerk at health insurance firm even stating, “It is almost like my mother’s cooking, not as good though,”. Most locations were private and family owned, recipes being passed down for many generations, many originating from even back home. The authenticity of such pleasures is what drives locals to stay and visitors to crave more because genuinity is such a rare trait nowadays.
Among the large African-American and Hispanic community, a small percentage of locals consist of Europeans who have craved the American city life without its overcrowdedness and small capacity, therefore finding the perfect home in Harlem. When interviewing two recent locals from Europe, they boasted about Harlem’s hospitality and door it opened to genuine diversity, “the coolness of the people, the music everywhere… everyone is ready to help another,”. He later went on to explain an act of kindness that took him by surprise and to this day regards it as one of his favorite moments in Harlem, “at the coffeeshop the girl in front of me ordering coffee turned back to me and went, ‘what are you ordering’ she returned and went ‘it’s for you have a good day’ and left,”. Acts of kindness such as the one mentioned is not rare in this neighborhood as there is a strong sense of community and responsibility amongst the locals. The only worry that seems to be reoccuring in the minds of the population is the distraction of their hard work and heritage.
Gentrification has relatively only recently started to dig at Harlem and its roots that differentiates it from surrounding neighborhoods. Walking down the streets of Harlem, it was very surprising to see billboards and ads for upcoming stores for such brands as Adidas. A community mostly consisting of privately owned shops and occasional franchises, seeing bigger brands emerge worries locals that it might bring outsiders and strangers to the already built heritage and traditions. The Health Insurance Clerk mentioned a large area of land located in upper Harlem that could be used for humanitarian work and for the bettering of homeless individuals, but she fears that it will instead of gentrified and used for commercial reasons.
Hearing from locals, newcomers, and walking down the streets of Harlem, it is remarkable to think that there are people who have prejudice and misunderstandings of this beautiful neighborhood. A prideful, deeply rooted and connected community such as this one needs to be protected from bleaching and stripping of genuinity due to gentrification. As the locals are fighting for their establishments, neighbors from surrounding communities must and are helping as well, trying to preserve what makes Harlem unique. Its clean and wide streets are so welcoming that it cannot possibly be taken away from a city so lacking of it. It is time for Harlem’s reputation to be readdressed and for this beautiful tight knit neighborhood to be adored and preserved by all.
Works Cited
“History of Harlem.” Harlem Heritage, Harlem Heritage Tours & Cultural Center, www.harlemheritage.com/history-of-harlem/. Accessed 2 Nov. 2018.
NYCgo.com Staff, editor. “Must-See Harlem.” NYCGO, NYC & Company INC, 6 Jan. 2015, www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/manhattan/harlem. Accessed 2 Nov. 2018.
Sanneh, Kelefa, editor. “Harlem Chic.” The New Yorker, Condé Nast, 23 Mar. 2013, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/03/25/harlem-chic. Accessed 2 Nov. 2018.
