Celebrating Black History Month: Harlem
As one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in New York, Harlem’s rich background began in 1658 as a Dutch agricultural town. Through decades and decades of changing faces and boundaries, the area became an epicenter for a variety of cultures and ethnicities. By 1904, African American’s began to move to the neighborhood due in large part to the Great Migration and remain an integral part of the NYC area. Today, Harlem is known as a major African American center rich in artistic and historical culture.
During the 1920s and 30s, the Manhattan borough established itself as a creative outlet the height of which was referred to as “the Harlem Renaissance”. This efflux of works helped to found big names in art, music, literature, theater and created an artistic advent that had been unprecedented in the African American community. Although the neighborhood was linked heavily with poverty and crime after The Great Depression, it ascended to its spot as an urban hub later in the century.
Infamous names in music, literature, and education litter the streets of Harlem (quite literally since many avenues are named after residents of Harlem and noteworthy figures like Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Malcolm X), and include everyone from Zora Neale Hurston and Duke Ellington to W.E.B. Du Bois and Scott Fitzgerald. Today, Harlem expands from 96th St. to 155th and covers the width of Upper Manhattan. The neighborhood has fresh appeal with new and innovative bars, restaurants and nightlife while still maintaining its traditional appeal.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is a great stop for viewing entire collections and works on African American authors like Richard Wright (and his original manuscript for Native Son) as well as Langston Hughes. Another must-see on the trip to Harlem is the night-time essential, the Apollo Theater, whose stage has been graced with a number of performers like Billie Holiday, James Brown, Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder. For an alternate cultural locale, hit up The Studio Museum which is a gallery space dedicated to the works of local as well as international black artists like James Van Der Zee.
Another important part of the neighborhood is Spanish Harlem, located east of 5th Ave. which includes the 40 year old institution, El Museo del Barrio on Museum Mile. The museum is dedicated to exhibits and artwork of Puerto Rican, Caribbean and Latin American artists including prominent artists like Frida Kahlo. For nightlife entertainment, the neighborhood is overflowing with lounges and hipster bars like intimate 67 Orange Street’s speakeasy-style bar or the cozy Nectar Wine Bar. The Den and Moca Lounge are two amazing options and each bar regularly hosts d.j.’s, a full menu and specialty drinks.
