Harlem, race and gentrification: Black gentrifiers reflect on their role in the changing Harlem landscape
theGRIO REPORT - While the story of Harlem’s on-going gentrification is often told in the press by blaming big retailers that are pushing out smaller stores, or wealthy, white residents who are rehabbing historic brownstones, what is being overlooked is that many of these architects of change are black...
It should thus come as no surprise that one of the most controversial projects in Harlem right now involves the possible displacement of restaurants owned by blacks — by a historically African-American organization.
The National Urban League, one of the black community’s most storied civil rights organizations, has a proposal to relocate its national headquarters to 121 West 125th Street.
In addition to offices, the project includes retail space, housing (at both subsidized and market rates), and a civil rights museum. If constructed, the civil rights museum would be the first in the state of New York.
Most are excited about the cultural institution moving back to Harlem where it started over 100 years ago — but there is a big issue tied to this development.
The space the National Urban League would like to acquire is already inhabited by a handful of small, locally-owned businesses. The plan calls for the demolition of the current structure. The businesses say they would not be able to afford the increased rent for the new spaces.
The irony of blacks pushing blacks out
This could be a case of African-American gentrifiers potentially displacing other African-Americans.
“I feel bad when I see black-owned businesses in the community that don’t survive. From a community-building standpoint, we should be supporting entrepreneurs by helping with long-term business plans and encouraging sustainable growth,” said Grant who feels that Harlem should have a “creative hub” that sustains innovative businesses as a cultural incubator – while also being tastefully decorated with plaques that commemorate Harlem’s history.
He is not alone in the concern that even black development of Harlem may deteriorate the presence of long-term entities.
At a spirited public hearing about the National Urban League project in November, New York State Senator Bill Perkins voiced his numerous concerns.
“The plan before us displaces a number of small businesses who have built up equity in a community that is now thriving; they are being shown the curb without any guarantees to return, or be compensated,” Perkins said in his official testimony about the project. “Kicking out several businesses to bring in one anchor tenant does not afford maximum opportunity for participation.”
National Urban League President and former New Orleans mayor Marc Morial spoke at the beginning of the hearing about the benefits of the project, and the fact that the move would actually mean the return of the National Urban League to Harlem, where the organization was founded in 1910 — a momentous occassion.
Most of the speakers expressed their support of the spirit of the project and the mission of the New York Urban League, but like State Senator Perkins, their main concern was ensuring that the current business owners at the proposed location are properly compensated for any losses.
A plan to displace blacks businesses progresses
Despite these criticisms, the Public Authorities Control Board has approved the $225 million project. Construction is slated for 2015, but State Senator Perkins has vowed to sue in order to get what he considers to be fair treatment for the current business tenants, which includes many restaurant owners.
The future of these businesses, and other long term African-American entities in Harlem, is unknown. The only thing constant about Harlem in the past few years has been change.
These changes have come with a fair amount of controversy as some indigenous businesses owners and residents find themselves priced out and new Harlem residents and business owners try to responsibly helm whatever comprises the next phase of Harlem’s growth.
Like many communities across the country, Harlem is struggling to maintain the cultural identity that it is known for, while remaining progressive and flexible enough to sustain itself as more changes inevitably come in the future.
Dr. Muhammad hopes that the multifarious qualities of this community will be a foundation upon which all members of this changing place can flourish. “The exciting thing about Harlem is that it’s an international community,” he said. “It has always had a rich tradition of embracing diverse people.”
Diversity — both cultural and economic — is certainly going to be part of Harlem’s fabric for years to come.
Follow Demetria Irwin on Twitter at @Love_Is_Dope and connect with her on Facebook.
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