The New Harlem Ebony

• How do the images represent what the author is talking about?

• If every time in years Harlem has changed why are people supring of the changes now?

• Are the titles in big font because of what we’re about to read?

• We’re the before and after pictures taken before or after Harlem’s change

In the article “Special Section: The New Harlem”, Charles Whitaker discusses the interest that new people are having in Harlem. Specifically, Whitaker argue(s) Harlem is now a target towards higher class people. The author said that ”Harlem is definitely hot. After decades of decline, in which a third of its residents and two-thirds of its large business fled(or in the case of some business, collapsed), Harlem, which was the unofficial capital of Black America, is on the rebound.”. Although some people believe, it’s for the greater good of Harlem. Whitaker insists that the new people coming in the community are trying to take a good deal for themselves. In sum, the author’s view is that Harlem is now being changed. People with money are transforming Harlem into a pace that will lead to the increase of payments for sale.

I agree with the author because people are viewing Harlem very differently. In my view, I think that the new people that are high class and coming into Harlem are trying to take advantage not only of the place but also of the people that were already living there. For instance,the people of high class go into Harlem expecting to buy a place to make changes. These changes cost so much that people have already been seeing that the “real estate prices are skyrocketing”  In addition, the people there already feel safe and with all these new things coming in, it’s a threat for them money wise.. Some might object, of course, on the grounds that these changes are making new people come into the community that have great deals in business which could be seen as good for Harlem.Yet I would argue that it takes away what Harlem was all about. . Overall, I believe these changes only benefit the new people coming in that don’t know anything at all about Harlem more than the people that have already been there for years and it’s not fair for them.

Harlem on the Verge

• Why does the price change when people have already been told one way?

• Why is changing Harlem so important to high class people?

• How do these new businesses affect the residents?

• Why are they worried more about the economy of Harlem more than the people in Harlem?

In the article “Disappearing Acts: Capturing Harlem In Transition”, Robin Kelley discusses the change in Harlem. Specifically, Kelley argues that the motivations that are being made in Harlem are affecting Harlem and the original people. The author said that “She set her sights on capturing the old Harlem before it completely disappears, the Harlem that will become our next nostalgic memory,our future golden age.”. Although some people believe making the properties increase in value is good for the communities development., Kelley insists that Harlem should be remembered from the way that it was before. She also believes that doing this change does not only affect remembrance of the history but also for the original people because now it’s more than what they were supposed to pay.The author said “Employed, stable residents who were renting apartments or $500 per month were suddenly being told that they would have to put out $1300 to $1500” This shows that with these changes the people in poverty, now have to pay more than what they are told and wouldn’t be able to afford it. In sum, the  author’s view is that changing Harlem isn’t a great idea for the way it will be remembered and for the way that it will affect the people already living there.

I have mixed emotions on this subject because it can be both good and bad, but there are more reasons towards it being bad. In my view, I think that Harlem’s renovation does make Harlem be more modern to our times and it can be a good chance for new business to happen. Though it can be good I think that that won’t benefit the small business or the business that were already there since it affects the workers. For instance, if the payments for rents have increased that means that the workers would have to work maybe two or three jobs in order to be able to afford to pay the rent. In addition,it will affect the workers, along with the rest of the Harlem community, because they were used to having landlords  who were exactly like them and now they will be having the landlords that have way more then they have.. Some might object, of course, on the grounds that even though its expensive it’s better for the community.Yet I would argue that the workers have low wage jobs and since they do, they won’t be able to pay the rent and even if they do they will barley have enough for food or anything else that they need to survive with. Overall, I believe that people should make Harlem modern but just because of that doesn’t mean that the people should lose what they already had or what they had already created.