Harlem

Harlem is a neighborhood rich with history. In the Early 20th Century it was home to the Harlem Renaissance – a period defined by African American led music, dance, literature and art movements – symbolic of challenging racist America. 22 West, a now closed bar, restaurant and jazz club, was Malcom X's base for his radio broadcasts that inspired the black panther movement. The Cotton Club, now located on W 28th Street, a popular speakeasy, became known as a playground for the rich. During the prohibition, Whites would travel to Harlem to see jazz performances and drink copious amounts of alcohol. Lennox Lounge, demolished in 2017, was a popular performance spot for jazz musicians Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Many icons such as, Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, Nella Larsen, Zora Neale, Hurston, W.E.B DuBois and Marcus Garvey made Harlem their home. Later the iconic Apollo Theater became home to Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5. A unique style of food, Soul Food, known for its boastful flavor and comfort, originated in Harlem. Its popular cuisine consists of foods like buttered beans, country fried steak and oxtail soup. A popular soul food restaurant, Sylvia’s, is still standing today. Harlem was previously known for its low rise buildings, local hair salons, family own stores and soul food buffets. Since the 1990’s, the area has seen a transformative era of private and public investment. It is now emerging into a business hub, with more than 2,000 new condominiums, office tours, hotels, art galleries, bookstores and night clubs.