Dutch settlers founded Harlem in 1658. For
200 years it was essentially farmland where prominent
New Yorkers had large country estates. During the 1880's
Harlem developed when elevated railroads made the area
accessible for downtown New Yorkers.
Central Harlem became a Black neighbourhood
between 1910 and 1920 when its real estate market collapsed.
This opened up opportunities for Afro Americans who took
advantage and moved into many of the empty apartment blocks
that were available. By 1914, Harlem's population reached
50,000. By 1930 the number had reached 250,000.
In the 1920's, Harlem became well known
for its Black artists, writers, and intellectuals. Harlem
also became the centre of the city's nightlife. Jazz music
was born and many well-known musicians played there. In
1929, the Great Depression hit Harlem. 50% of the city's
African Americans became unemployed. The period also saw
the rise of leaders such as Marcus Garvey and Adam Clayton
Powell, Jr.
In the 1960's social problems and the relocation
of much of the population caused the population to decline
rapidly. In the 1970’s landlords abandoned their
properties causing the housing stock to rapidly deteriorate.
The 1980's saw the beginning of a rebirth
as a massive program of redevelopment began. Harlem became
a major tourist attraction and travellers added it to
their list of sightseeing areas.
Harlem is probably America’s most
famous African-American neighbourhood. Its reputation
is greatly enhanced by television and the media. It is
a distinctly different part of Manhattan and one that
has suffered from high levels of poverty, unemployment,
crime and drug use.
Famous names from Harlem:
Think of the following questions in relation
to Harlem:
- How is it represented by the media?
- Interpret how Harlem is represented in Manhattan.
Explain how these representations might be constructed.
- What evidence is there for division and inequality
within Harlem? What form do these divides take?
- what evidence is there for regeneration of Harlem?
What are its impacts?
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