In the article “The Harlem Gentrification: From Black to White”, published in the magazine New African, Goffe writes that “[h]arlem became a haven in the early 1900’s for African-Americans escaping racial terrorism in the South.” Harlem also became haven for West Indians, Puerto Ricans, and West African immigrants (Goffee). Harlem was populated by people of color, but today the black population in Harlem has fallen to its lowest level in almost 100 years and this is because of gentrification. Before Harlem was gentrified the popularity consisted mainly of blacks, but since being gentrified the number of whites has dramatically increased: the 2008 census reported that 13,800 whites were living in Harlem as oppose to 672 whites in 1990 (Goffe). As big corporate companies open up in non-gentrified communities, it causes estate and rent prices, from nearby businesses, to rise. …show more content…
Replacing small businesses, which have meaningful cultural value to the community, with corporate companies takes away a neighborhoods culture, like it has done so to Harlem. The Harlem that once had black bookshops, barbershops, and soul food joints now has fancy French restaurants, German beer gardens, and upscale supermarkets (Goffe). Harlem is composed of lower-class families and individuals, but if these high-end businesses are locating in lower class neighborhoods, like Harlem, then these new businesses do not benefit the neighborhoods’ residents at all. Not only does gentrification negatively affect small businesses, but it also affects residents who live in the