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Draft riots
Along with most of not only new york, but the Union during the Civil War, Harlem had draft riots. While these riots were violent and destructive, after the war was finished, Harlem benefited greatly from the economic boom that came afterward. -
Panic of 1873
The Great Panic of 1873, an economic depression that affected both the United States & Europe was particularly rough on Harlem. After this economic crisis property values in Harlem dropped 80%. The people who had been immigrating to Harlem up to this point were poor, Jewish &/or Italian, and this depression gave the city of NY the opportunity to Annex Harlem up to 155th st. -
Immigrant presence in Harlem
The Jewish population of Harlem peaked at around 200,000 in 1915, but this large jewish population did not last with 5,000 jews remaining by 1930. As these Jews moved out of Harlem, many peurto ricans moved to Harlem. Unlike the Jews, the Italian's presence in Harlem lasted into the 1970's in some areas. -
Black Population boom
Since the 1600's there has been a black population in Harlem, but this population increased dramatically in the late 19th centure with 10's of thousands by the turn of the century. The real mass migration began in 1904 when a series of price drops lead to a lack of potential white renters, so real estate agents decided to try to bring in blacks and succeed. -
Apollo Theater
The Apollo theater was built in 1913, and has become famous for it's amateur nights when many including the Jackson 5 & Ella Fitzgerald were discovered. It is and has been a major outlet for talent to be discovered, not only for those of color, but for whites too. Most recently in 2009, Cleaveland Rapper MGK (Machine Gun Kelly) being the first white rapper to ever win at the Apollo. -
Harlem Rennaisance
At the time it was coined the, "New Negro Movement" it was a cultural movement throughout Harlem in the 1920's and 30's. The Harlem renaissance was focused around not only cultural things like; literature and music but also around a newfound "black identitiy". It redefined not only Harlem but America's view on African americans. -
Sylvia's
Sylvia's has been a Harlem staple for just short of 50 years in Harlem. Sylvia's is known for it's sould food, they offer a variety of options ranging from Chicken and Waffles to Chicken livers yummm. In the 50 years since the beginning Sylvia's offers a variety of prepared foods, cookbooks and even beauty products. -
McDonald's
In 1972, the first McDonald's was opened in Harlem by the late Robert Lee Dunham. Dunham not only opened the first McDonalds in Harlem, but in New York overall. He was a former police officer and when he spoke openly with known gang members challenging them to turn their lives around. In his lifetime, he earned many awards granted by various organazations from the Omega Psi Phi fraternity to the NAACP. -
Island Salad
he company was started by Milo Meed who had been advocating for healthier foods in Harlem, but no business that offered healthy, fresh eating options wanted to expand past 125th street. Millo decided to take on this challenge himself and opened Island Salad in the winter of '09. -
Best Yet Market
The Best yet market opened March '10 and was one of the first healthier, fresher more affordable options for the people of Harlem. The opening of the Best Yet market brought not only a great resource to the people of Harlem, but also 100+ jobs for the community. -
Olive Market
The Olive Market which is a chain grocery store offering a variety of fresh produce, and other healthy, natural groceries in an area which lacks many grocery stores, and even fewer places for fresh produce.