Gentrification's impact on Black-owned businesses in Harlem: An exploration

In the heart of New York City, a debate is brewing over Columbia University's plans to build a $6.3 billion satellite campus in Harlem. The proposed development has sparked concerns among local residents and community activists, who fear it could lead to gentrification and displacement.

The University's Environmental Impact Statement recognizes the potential for indirect displacement of retail establishments due to rent increases from the satellite campus. This concern is not unfounded, as gentrification often occurs slowly, leading to rising property values and eventual displacement of existing residents.

Harlem, a neighbourhood with a rich history and cultural identity, has been a home for African Americans since the early 20th century. Philip A. Payton, known as the "father" of Harlem, incorporated the Afro-American Realty Company in 1903 to help remake Harlem as a home for black citizens. Under Payton's efforts, Harlem became the neighbourhood with the largest concentration of Black people in the world.

The Save Harlem Movement, along with other community groups like Defend Harlem, is fighting against the gentrification that is pricing out Black and Brown residents. Small businesses in the area are struggling to stay afloat due to the effects of gentrification. Farhat Omar, a Master's student and community activist, emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between government agencies, Black-owned businesses, nonprofits, and community members to allow Black residents to leverage resources while participating in their own economic and structural development.

Omar also highlights the need for community ownership, access to decision-making processes, policy advocacy at local, state, and national levels, cultural preservation, and additional education and awareness about the impacts of gentrification and displacement. The group is working towards developing a bill that will be presented to Governor Kathy Hochul, aiming to limit the ability for Columbia and other private development companies to claim land.

The migration of African Americans to Harlem in the early 20th century led to The Harlem Renaissance and the creation of a unique cultural identity within the neighbourhood. This cultural change can occur with gentrification, wherein the new tastes and preferences of wealthier residents can clash with the current culture and tastes.

The EIS report estimates that by 2030, the Proposed Actions could directly displace 85 businesses and institutions (approximately 880 employees). Gentrification can lead to rising property values, which can displace existing residents. The Defend Harlem group is actively fighting against gentrification through monthly meetings with state representatives and researching private development companies.

As the debate continues, it's clear that the future of Harlem is at stake. The community's rich history, cultural identity, and the livelihoods of its residents hang in the balance. The question remains: will Columbia University's satellite campus revitalize Harlem, or will it lead to its gentrification and displacement?