Gentrification in Harlem was in its incipient stages during the early 1980s. Revitalization’s potential causatum, whether positive or negative, was not totally clear at that point. While it began with residential restructuring, gentrification eventually came to include commercial redevelopment, ranging from retail services to entertainment options. While gentrification can be seen to bring about a full-scale revitalization of the economy, for many of the most disadvantaged, displacement and limited access to the new resources brought into the community is the only reality. Gentrification’s benefits are not spread equally throughout the affected area.
Harlem exists simultaneously as both the cultural epicenter of Black America, via the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Power Movement, and the quintessential Black ghetto fraught with crime and drug trafficking. From 1960s, Harlem was already suffering from wide-scale disinvestment. Nevertheless, Harlem’s convenient location has made it a prime target for gentrification. Changes in the per capita income, the median household income, racial demographics, and median contract rent offered the first indication that gentrification was both possible and likely.
Larger corporations, such as Disney and Starbucks, with access to large pools of resources have forced many smaller businesses to close. The financial incentives offered by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone to businesses have accorded larger corporations opportunities to flourish in a way that smaller businesses cannot.
Because of rising real estate costs, middle and upper-middle class White participation is necessary for gentrification to flourish as the number of African-Americans who can afford to move into a highly gentrified Harlem is so limited. And provided that opposition to redevelopment stays politically weak and New York’s housing market remains financially secure, widespread gentrification is somewhat inevitable in Harlem. Unfortunately, displacement and unequal access to the benefits of gentrification are equally likely for longtime Harlem residents.
As the wave of gentrification continues to impact inner city communities across the country, it becomes increasingly important to understand how various social, economic, and political factors interplay and change the neighborhood as a result. The influx of middle and upper-middle class Black residents who reenter these communities has every bit the impact as the inflow of Whites. In many cases, they come to these neighborhoods that previous generations fled with the hope of returning the community to a prosperous and safe status; some of these well-off African-Americans view this as a racial uplift of sorts, as well as a reconnecting with their ethnic identities. With the arrival of affluent Blacks, longtime residents of Harlem are faced with the probability of displacement, changes in the community that do not take their needs into account, and unequal access to the benefits of gentrification. Oftentimes, this leads to intraracial strife.
When the African-American gentry returns to these communities, the political actions, and community improvements for which they advocate are primarily reflective of their own interests, they can even have a detrimental impact on the working classes. Unlike in disadvantaged communities where collective actions are the primary mechanisms for accomplishing political change, coalition building is much more of a challenge in mixed income communities due to differences in shared resources, needs, and goals.
The Black middle class has tripled since the 1960s; this increase has affected sociopolitical unity in Black America. Though there is a school of thought that contends that racism binds all Black Americans, irrespective of their socioeconomic and educational background, others argue that as the Black middle class grows, they become more detached from working class Blacks.
During the 1990s, the number of middle and upper-middle class households in Harlem increased by 35 percent. The numbers of professionals, individuals with higher education, and homeowners all increased in those communities. Community boards in Harlem advocated developments out of the price range of longtime Harlemites, indicating that they supported driving up Harlem’s housing market, thereby displacing them. The concerns of the African-American middle class in both neighborhoods typically have not included maintaining a comfortable way of life for the poorest members of the community. As a result, intraracial animus can be observed emanating from both sides.
Some longtime residents see the middle class Blacks who promote development as bringing positive new opportunities to the community. Others label them as sell-outs. Because the African-American middle class is less secure than their White counterparts, they have to work much harder and act more stringently to protect their investment and social status. Class differences keep political unity fractured.
As real estate rates continue to rise, the number of individuals who can afford to buy into the neighborhood has steadily decreased; even those recent transplants from as few as 10 years ago might not be able to afford to move into Harlem now. A valid concern is that the direction of growth will make Harlem a place where only the upper‐middle and upper classes will be able to survive. Many stalwarts of the community who have been responsible for laying the foundation for gentrification (i.e. people who formed block associations to keep their community safe during the drug trade) are now being pushed out of their own neighborhoods – neighborhoods they worked so hard to save – due to rising prices.
Considering Harlem’s future, a few broad, but relevant questions remain: What does gentrification look like? To whom does Harlem belong?
Even if Harlem remains Black, will it remain Harlem? If some degree of gentrification is inevitable, what form should it take?
About The Author: Lee was the former assistant director at Columbia University's Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race.
Bibliography
Hyra, Derek S. “Racial Uplift? Intra-Racial Class Conflict and the Economic Revitalization of Harlem and Bronzeville,” City and Community, vol. 5, issue 1: 71-92.
Maurrasse, David J. 2006. Listening to Harlem: Gentrification, Community, and Business. New York: Routledge.
Schaffer, Richard and Neil Smith. “The Gentrification of Harlem?” Annals of the Association of American Geographers, vol. 76: 347-365.
Thompson, J. Phillip, III. 2006. Double Trouble: Black Mayors, Black Communities, and the Call for a Deep Democracy. New York: Oxford UP.
Comments
Harlem gentrification
I have mixed feelings about the gentrification of Harlem. I am from New York and my dad considered purchasing a townhouse in the Harlem area a couple of years ago. Because he is a middle class black male from the outer-borroughs of Manhattan, I wonder if he would be considered a contributing factor in the "deterioration" of the community that original residents of Harlem consider their own... I see the issue at hand: people (particularly black families in Harlem of lower socio-economic status) are worried about their communities changing and being bought out of their own homes. It is a valid fear for many families, not just in Harlem, but all over the country as real estate peaks and pits. However, I still do not see what is wrong with families who can afford it--especially black middle-class families who have worked hard to "balance investments and social status" as said above-- if they want to move their families into a historic neighborhood. Harlem is historically famous and known as a black community, but the fact is that it is 2011 and communities will eventually have to change. Harlem should be known for its role in the Harlem Renaissance and Civil Rights Movement, but a neighborhood striving to remain all-black would be just as offensive for some as a neighborhood striving to remain all-white in the 21st century. New members of a community, no matter the race, most likely do not have the intention of buying out prior members. It is definitely unfair for people to be driven out of their neighborhoods but unfortunately, it happens. I don't think it is the fault of the new members of the community, but rather the real estate agencies that control the way a community grows. When the growth of any middle class grows, there are going to be tensions from the working class.
Harlem Gentrification
This gentrification of Harlem is a very valid move for the city of New York City. Granted, Harlem does have a very rich black history and its roots lie within this American culture, who's to say that this has to be forgotten because of a few new neighbors? Perhaps this "facelift", if you will, is a positive change for Harlem. The fact is, real estate changes over time, and if that mean Harlem is changing from a low-income black area to that of a middle- and upper-class interracial neighborhood, there is little one can do to stop this change on the premises of "defaming history." This could change Harlem into an area that is not only rich in culture but also one of socioeconomic prestige. This does yield negative aspects as well, as this will alienate the "natives" of Harlem from the new demographic moving into the area. However, I believe the greatest strain in this area will be the result of the feelings of hostility that may be generated from the lower class black community towards the middle- and upper-class black community. The more affluent blacks may be viewed as "sell-outs" by the working-black class. As with all historical events, there is a good and a bad side. Yes, Harlem will become more "modern" if you will, which will encourage more visitors to come to see this part of history. It will come at the cost of a dissention in the black community.
The gratification in my
The gratification in my opinion could be more positive than negative; if the people of Harlem cooperate, and co-exist with each other. In my time as a sociology major, I have read about many struggles that lower class blacks have on being confined to an area, and never have I read about blacks moving in and blacks moving out. If the group that’s there stays, and the group moving in helps the group that’s still there, they might flourish with one another. If, an only if that happens will I be satisfied, or be able to say that this was a positive move for Harlem. The other result could be spite, and hatred towards someone’s own race, which would cause tremendous amounts of civil crimes and other mayhem. So I am for the gratification of Harlem if; it does what it can do positively for its current residence.
HARLEM GENTRIFICATION
The idea of trying to restore a neighborhood is a great idea, but it comes to all ends when you begin to try and replace what was historically founded there. New neighbors are not going to erase all the historical events that occurred in Harlem, but it destroys the community that struggled to save the community and live there. I do not believe that people who fought for safety within the community should be displaced. They deserve to be there. To me gentrification is a way to eliminate the lower class from living in an area that they want the upper and middle class to take over because of economic reasons. Harlem belongs to the people who fought for it, not the people who can pay for it.
I also believe that this may
I also believe that this may cause agitation and anger between the black community because they are going to feel like their own people so to say are engaging in this process and putting them out of their home and forcing them to move elsewhere. The positive outcome is that it will enrich the area and economy but there should be a way to enrich a neighborhood without kicking out its natives.
Harlem’s Continuing Gentrification
Harlem has a lot of great history that will never be forgotten no matter if new people move into town or not. History can’t be erased what was made as a historically site would always be there no matter what the circumstances may be. Although it is sad to see newcomers into town, that are taking the place of those who have lived there for years. It isn’t right that those with more money are just invading those who are less fortune, because with money they can surpass from the lower class individuals. Many of these residents are worried to get kicked out of what they call home, or they can also be afraid of change to their community. I do understand why they are afraid of the middle to upper class individuals that are buying homes in the Harlem area, but they would never change Harlem’s roots. Then if those individuals take over the Harlem community they will raise the cost of living the area, and taxes will rise which then makes it hard for those who have lived there for years to pay their rent or mortgage. Also since the newcomers have money they will want to modernize the community which isn’t going to make those original residents of Harlem too happy.
To whom does Harlem belong?
The idea that Harlem belongs to the African-American population as a whole is one that when looked at in a historical context, would not be able to stand on its own. Harlem was originally settled by the dutch in the 1600's, and the African-American people did not begin to be predominant until the 1900's. Harlem is in fact named after a city in the Netherlands. Even if the African-Americans do not maintain the majority in Harlem, it will still be Harlem, because they were not the majority to begin with. With that being said, I find the gentrification process to be inevitable, yet unsettling to an extent. The Manhattan area is one of the highest priced real-estate areas in the country. Because of Harlem's proximity to Manhattan, and the constant growth that seems to occur in the New York area, one cannot be surprised that the upper-middle and upper classes are spreading to other parts of the city. The fact that gentrification is running many members of the Harlem area out of their homes is tremendously sad, and causes one to think about options for these people. Throughout history, communities have risen and fallen due to economic changes and the gentrification process, and Harlem cannot be expected to be any different.
Gentrification of Harlem
In my opinion, the gentrification process of Harlem has both positive and negative aspects to it. This whole process could give Harlem the chance to become a neighborhood with more resources at their disposal and give them the option to gain some valuable opportunities. Also, it is not realistic to expect that Harlem would never have to experience change or renovations, especially in New York, an area that experiences huge population growth. Some of the residents of Harlem who have lived there for a long time may be worried that the rich history of Harlem will be ruined by having new people move into the neighborhood. However, I do not believe that having upper and middle class people move in can change or affect the extensive history that Harlem already has. It is illogical to believe that Harlem will constantly stay the same and never have to face change. On the other hand, it does seem incredibly unfair that the residents of Harlem who have poured their heart and soul into this neighborhood, might be getting pushed out of their homes. There are other neighborhoods that are experiencing this same process and many people are not necessarily happy about it. It is clear that the residents are worried about losing their homes and being bought out by someone from the upper or middle class area and that is very sad. I cannot imagine having to fight to keep living in the neighborhood that I love. There are valid points to both sides of the argument and that is what makes this situation difficult. The gentrification process may prove to be a blessing for Harlem, but at what cost? If the longtime residents of Harlem are forced out of their homes, than it is likely that this will cause much conflict in the community.
Gentrification of Harlem
In my opinion, the gentrification process of Harlem has both positive and negative aspects to it. This whole process could give Harlem the chance to become a neighborhood with more resources at their disposal and give them the option to gain some valuable opportunities. Also, it is not realistic to expect that Harlem would never have to experience change or renovations, especially in New York, an area that experiences huge population growth. Some of the residents of Harlem who have lived there for a long time may be worried that the rich history of Harlem will be ruined by having new people move into the neighborhood. However, I do not believe that having upper and middle class people move in can change or affect the extensive history that Harlem already has. It is illogical to believe that Harlem will constantly stay the same and never have to face change. On the other hand, it does seem incredibly unfair that the residents of Harlem who have poured their heart and soul into this neighborhood, might be getting pushed out of their homes. There are other neighborhoods that are experiencing this same process and many people are not necessarily happy about it. It is clear that the residents are worried about losing their homes and being bought out by someone from the upper or middle class area and that is very sad. I cannot imagine having to fight to keep living in the neighborhood that I love. There are valid points to both sides of the argument and that is what makes this situation difficult. The gentrification process may prove to be a blessing for Harlem, but at what cost? If the longtime residents of Harlem are forced out of their homes, than it is likely that this will cause much conflict in the community.
I think it is good that the
I think it is good that the black middle class has grown so much because it means that more of them have been able to rise above the discrimination they face. However, it does make it difficult for the working class blacks that already live in Harlem. I wish there were a way to improve the economy and the neighborhood without forcing people out. Nobody should be forced to leave their homes that they have worked so hard for.
I also think that it is good that the area is becoming more interracial. I agree with STETU-9 that trying to keep an area all black would be just as bad as trying to keep one all white. Seeing differences between races causes judgment, regardless of who is seeing them.
People are worried about their neighborhood changing and its rich history with it. History is just that, in the past. It is good to remember history, but trying to stay in the past leaves no room for learning or growth.
Gentrification is very
Gentrification is very controversial. It isnt fair to make someone leave their homes. There are on the other hand possitive outcomes. The value of the businesses and homes in the area increases and racial integration make gentrification a more desireable action.
Harlem Gentrification
The Harlem Gentrification has negative and positive aspects. In large cities such as New York, gentrification is something that is inevitable. Usually you see a predominately African American community transformed into an overpriced and upscale environment. With much said, those African Americans who grew up and gave that particular location its rich history and background are inevitably forced to relocate due to extremely high dollars. This may help the New York economy but it does create many issues that African Americans tend to harvest for years. On the other hand, as an African American from a middle Class background, I do not think that it is right for other African Americans to state that those with a middle class background would be considered “sell outs” . The United States is a fast pace society and to some extent, if you can’t keep up, no one will wait for you. This story has two sides that I feel should be addressed into further more detail.
I think the gentrification of
I think the gentrification of Harlem has its good and bad effects. Communities need diversity, they need change, uplifts and new looks. People are so quick to be negative than to even look at the possible bright side of a situation. Many want a change in their life or a new quality about it but aren't willing to pay that price. Yes with growth, especially in a quick paced area like New York, pricing will increase but if you worked ever so hard to obtain your housing, you can work that much harder to keep it.