Historical Black Meccas Like Harlem Are Losing Their Identity To Gentrification

sign held up that says harlem is our home
Tremain Prioleau II
January 25, 2023

Harlem, home to the Black cultural renaissance of the 20s and 30s and home to Black icons such as Malcolm X, Miles Davis, and Billie Holiday, is slowly losing its rich cultural image to gentrification. What is gentrification, and how devastating are its effects?

Gentrification is the migration of wealthy residents into urban areas bringing with them new businesses and an increase in the local property values, much to the dismay of the original community.

Current residents are losing their homes because of increased property values. Between 2000 and 2005, over 32,000 Black Harlem residents moved out of the area, a direct result of the increased rents in the area. Sadly, this problem is spreading.

Gentrification isn’t just unique to Harlem. Black communities across the United States, such as Los Angeles, Baltimore, Chicago, and Philadelphia, suffer from the same disease of gentrification. But what can we do to fight back?

Change is inevitable, but our history will forever remain. As new people push into our communities, our greatest tool in preserving our culture is our comradery and preservation of our history. Push for policies around affordable rent. Pool our money together to rent and buy properties in our communities. And keep telling the history of those who came before us.

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