Neighborhood

Harlem has been home to a variety of ethnic groups, black and white, since the turn of the twentieth century. As the ethnic landscape has changed, cultural and religious buildings have been reshaped to serve the evolving populations. Harlem has been called a state of mind, but it is also a real place, remembered in oral histories, described in photographs, and evaluated by scholars.

Andrew Dolkart THE PLAIN AND THE HEIGHTS
Andrew Dolkart on the architecture and development of Harlem.
View
Kenneth Jackson HARLEM IS DIFFERENT
Kenneth Jackson on one of New York City's great ethnic neighborhoods.
View
When Harlem was Jewish A FORGOTTEN IDENTITY
When Harlem was Jewish.
View
New York Times BLACK HARLEM ONCE WAS NEWS
New York Times, 1923: "Negro Colony Growing; 150,000 in Harlem Section"
View
Dorothy Height MY COMMUNITY
Dorothy Height (1912– ) discusses her lifelong sense of commitment to the Harlem community.
View
Bayard Rustin A LACK OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Bayard Rustin (1912–87) reflects on different ethnic groups with economic interests in Harlem.
View
Samuel J. Battle THE FIRST BLACK POLICEMAN REMEMBERS
Samuel J. Battle (1883–1966) Manhattan's first African American policeman remembers being transferred to Harlem from San Juan Hill in 1913.
View


Photo Essay: The Streets of Harlem
"Can we think of another neighborhood in the world that has the kind of resonance that Harlem has? Greenwich Village, and neighborhoods in London, but I think it's hard to beat Harlem."
—Robert O'Meally


Arts and Culture
The flowering of Harlem music, theater, and writing is explored by Columbia faculty and recalled by eminent African Americans social leaders.

Politics
Reflections on Adam Clayton Powell, the odyssey of David Dinkins and political culture itself in Harlem.

Farah Griffin
The director of the Institute of African American studies, Farah Griffin remembers Ann Petry, one of Harlem's literary chroniclers.

NYC Architecture
Andrew Dolkart offers the commercial and social history of buildings across the neighborhoods of New York City.

FOR OUR NEIGHBORS
Keeping members of nearby communities informed about services, events, and projects of general interest.

STRENGTHENING NEIGHBORHOODS
Programs for residents and community organizations beyond the Columbia campus.

Columbia Next Door
Quotations on Columbia’s role in the Harlem community.

Harlem Treasures
Columbia Students Help Produce a Guide

Write Columbia's History
Columbia's history, as seen by those who have studied, taught, and worked here.
C250 Celebrates | C250 Perspectives | C250 Forum | C250 Events | C250 To Go |
Contact C250 | Privacy Policy | About This Web Site | © Copyright 2004 Columbia University