We all know that Harlem is the most well known town in New York City. People can’t get enough of it. It has produced some of the most prominent people in the past, present and will definitely continue to generate more leaders, actors, politicians, etc in the future. However, is it changing? Yes! It is. There are many small businesses that are worried about financial loss because of the bigger franchises and moguls taking over. There are million dollar condos, which no one can afford. Most of the mom and pop stores are disheartened because they look at Harlem as their home. As a matter of fact, most of them were raised there and still continue to live there.
Harlem stretches from the East River to the Hudson River at around 155th street, where is meets Washington Heights. When the Dutch settled in 1637 it was called Nieuw Haarlem, but the name quickly changed to Harlem as time changed. Now, Harlem is know for mainly its African American culture, unique shops and over the years; its crime. Although that is changing, Harlem will undergo a change pretty soon. Talks of building a 50 million dollar hotel in Harlem has now got its residents worried about the drastic change that will take place.
Throughout the years, Harlem has contributed, to society some of the most well known individuals of today! Here’s just a few:
- Harry Houdini – Magician, lived at 278 West 113th Street from 1904 until his death in 1926
- F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald – Author and wife
- Arthur Miller – Playwright
- Louis Armstrong – Musician
- Alicia Keys – R&B/soul singer-songwriter/pianist
- P. Diddy – Rapper/producer
For more information on Harlem, please visit: www.harlem.org
