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Categories: Articles,
30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
“Harlem’s Transition and Our Growth”
By Pat Stevenson
Thirty years ago, I was aware that Harlem had become an empowerment zone and millions of dollars were being invested. There was lots of “good news” to write about as vacant buildings became spanking new condominiums and rentals. Many banks were coming to Harlem whereas there were just a couple 30 years ago. There were many new restaurants opening. There was no community newspaper in Harlem. I saw the opportunity and began publishing the Harlem Community News. My slogan was “Good News You Can Use,” because I always planned to just focus on the “good news.” There was already plenty media coverage of crime, etc. Now, 30 years later. I continue to publish because there continues to be a need to cover “the positive” in this current environment of “negative news” and misinformation.
In 1994 Harlem was declared an “empowerment zone” and UMEZ was formed. The 125th Street BID (Business Improvement District) was also newly formed. My first publication launched in August 1994 and the theme was ‘HARLEM WEEK.” I ran the entire “HARLEM WEEK” calendar in that issue so the community could see “HARLEM WEEK” was not just one week but many events over several weeks. My first advertiser was the 125th Street Mart featuring about 40 businesses. I got to know many of the business owners and continue relationships with several of them now as they continue to be in business.
From 1994 to the present, many new businesses have come to Harlem, some have closed, and some are now part of the community. In 1997, Harlem USA Mall opened, beginning a wave of economic development and gentrification in the neighborhood. In 2000, former President Bill Clinton opened an office in Harlem. There were major renovations to Schomburg Center and Harlem Hospital. The Studio Museum is in the process of renovation and expansion. In 2012, Red Rooster opened, and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson continued spotlighting Harlem to the world and co-founded “Harlem EatUp! Festival in 2015.
Last year, the Harlem Renaissance hotel opened on 125th Street, and the Apollo Theater managed the event space. The Apollo Theater is currently undergoing a major renovation. Last month, the New York Urban League opened its national office on 125th Street, where it has major retailers such as Trader Joe, Target, Sephora, and others.
New restaurants, new businesses, office buildings, affordable housing and condominiums continue to open in Harlem. It is clear the landscape is changing drastically.
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