Harlem: The Original or New?

Harlem, N.Y., May 15, 2009- Many people sat trying to find a slight bit of shade to hide from the scorching sun beaming down on their faces. Many businesses have been affected by the economic downslide of the United States.

Businesses are plummeting and families are struggling to find the finances they need to support their children and spouses. Those who used to live in the middle of Harlem have recently been forced out by the rising prices over the past few years. Ownership of the apartment complexes have been changing frequently from one face of an owner to a new face no one has seen before. Residents say that they miss the "old days" when they knew people's faces and could live their lives.

What once was a predominantly black area has begun to change over the course of the past 3 years. Rosa Long sat with her face buried in her hands on the edge of the gate. She inhaled deeply and then let out a large sigh.

"Harlem is not like it used to be, it has gotten much worse. Many new faces and hands have come, but not many black ones, many whites," Long said.

This community has now gone from being predominantly black to a mix of whites, Koreans and blacks. The black community is still dominant, but it is not as it used to be. There has been a mass of gentrification in the last three years that has left the general public of Harlem with ill feelings.

A rich history lies in the sidewalks of Harlem's streets that many residents, especially those who have been their all their lives, want to remain with minimal interruptions to what it stands for.

"Harlem is the nucleus of the black community," Long said.

When people were asked about their feelings toward the economy and providing for their children, there were very minimal positive reactions. One woman explained how her son, who is now 24, was able to send him to college at New York Technical College. He graduated with a degree in architecture and is currently looking for a job, with minimal luck in today's economy. With her next child in the ninth grade, she fears that her daughter won't be able to get to college without financial aid; this is assuming she gets financial aid.

Businesses have had downfalls and rises in the midst of these current national struggles. A children's clothing store on 125th Street, LAZARUS, has been one that has been affected both negatively and positively. When the economic downfall began, they had a big hit on their store with many less purchases being made. Business declined almost 50 percent during the holiday seasons, which left employees with cut hours and managers with frustrations.

Tom Zarobinski, store manager, expressed how the business was difficult during the times of minimal business. However, recently the business has picked back up as of the second week in April. People have moved toward having to manage their money more. Now some people have chosen to shop at less expensive stores than paying the higher prices as popular designer stores.

"Our business has picked up because people always have to buy for their children; it's like food, people always have to buy it," Zarobinski said. "Our store is cheaper so why would people go to Macy's and spend $40 when they can get it here for $20?"

With the new presidential election, there is hope floating through the streets of Harlem that President Obama will continue with his plans and work to fix this economical problem. People are recognizing that issues this big can't be fixed in a day, but they are hoping for resolution to come through this new administration.