Harlem is known internationally as the
Black Mecca of the world, but Harlem has been home to many races and
ethnic groups including the Dutch, Irish, German, Italian, and
Jewish. Harlem was originally settled by the Dutch in 1658, but was
largely farmland and undeveloped territory for approximately 200
years. As New York’s population grew, residential and commercial
expansion moved northward, and development of the Harlem territory
was evitable.
During the 1880’s, elevated rail lines were extended north along
Eight & Ninth Avenues, encouraging expansion northward. Development
of transportation lines caused speculation on the land and many fine
row houses and multiple family apartment buildings were erected.
However, this boom slowed in 1893 when a national recession struck.
The recession curbed further developed and stymied real estate
sales. When the economy recovered in 1895, development continued,
especially in the form of beautiful apartment buildings.
The Lenox Avenue IRT subway line was completed in 1904, and once
again many speculated that Harlem would become extremely desirable
to those residing in lower Manhattan. Hundreds of tenement apartment
buildings were built anticipating the masses from lower Manhattan to
occupy them. Unfortunately for the developers, the IRT not only made
Harlem available to those from downtown, but also made Washington
Heights, the Bronx and other northern points accessible. Developers
over speculated and many houses went unsold.
Real estate agent and entrepreneur
Phillip A. Payton approached several Harlem landlords with the
proposition that he would fill their empty or partially occupied
properties with Black tenants. The idea was accepted and Payton
began moving Black families into buildings in the 130’s of Central
Harlem. Many don’t know Phillip A. Payton, but Harlem Heritage Tours
considers him to be the father of "Black Harlem". The house he lived
in with his wife Maggie still stands on West. 131st Street.
Blacks continued to pour into Harlem from points in lower Manhattan,
the American South and the Caribbean. With the onset of the First
World War in 1915, many foreign immigrants set sail for their
homelands, leaving employment opportunities available in the war
industries in the north. Blacks migrated in record numbers from the
south to northern cities in search of opportunities and increased
wages.
During the 1920’s, Harlem flourished with cultural and artistic
expression. This period was christened the "Harlem Renaissance".
Harlem Renaissance figures such as Langston Hughes, Aaron Douglas,
Alain Locke and others felt that they would use their artistic
creativity as a means to show America and the world that Blacks are
intellectual, artistic and humane and should be treated accordingly.
The Great Depression of 1929 rocked the country and devastated Black
communities such as Harlem. The pressure of high rents, unemployment
and racist practices cumulated in Harlem riots in 1935 and 1943. The
Second World War offered Blacks few opportunities for advancement,
and Blacks mobilized against the war industry demanding fair
practices. Militant activities during the 1940’s set the stage for
the 1960’s.
Harlem was both stage and player during the turbulent period of the
Civil Rights Movement. Religious and political leaders articulated
the sentiments of the masses from street corners and pulpits
throughout the community. During the 1960’s, figures like Malcolm X,
Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Queen Mother Moore and Preston Wilcox used
Harlem as a launch pad for political, social, and economic
empowerment activities. Social problems caused a decrease in
Harlem’s population during the late 1960’s through the 1970’s,
leaving behind a high concentration of underprivileged residents and
a fast decaying housing stock.
Despite the rough days of the previous few decades, Harlem is
presently experiencing a new renaissance. Unlike the cultural and
literary renaissance of the 1920’s, the current rebirth is based in
economic development and cultural preservation. A brief walk through
any section of the community will reveal the sights and sounds of
construction crews at work developing properties. Ex-President Bill
Clinton could have established his office anywhere in the USA, but
chose Harlem. Tourists from around the world are visiting in record
numbers, to absorb the beautiful multi-ethnic culture of the Black
capital of America.
The good times are rolling, but many are concerned that as
development continues and property values rise, gentrification will
become an issue for community residents. Harlem Heritage Tours plans
to capitalize on the renaissance by using the industry of tourism as
a means to preserve Harlem’s history and contribute to the
development of the local economy.
COME VISIT THE
"HARLEM HERITAGE TOURISM & CULTURAL CENTER"
104 MALCOLM X BLVD - IN THE HEART OF HARLEM
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