Harlem neighborhoods are facing a big threat of gentrification, a place that was once a safe haven for blacks, immigrants and the poor is now being taken over. According to “the end of Black Harlem” an article on the New York Times website “Harlem has seen an influx of tourists, developers, and stroller-pushing young families, described in the media as “urban pioneers,” attracted by city tax abatements. New high-end housing and hip restaurants have also played their part.” This article explains the effects of gentrification on the landmarks of Harlem are being replaced by buildings and stores that would attract the wealthier and affluent whites into the neighborhood. Historical buildings such as the Renaissance, a place where a famous artist like Duke Ellington once performed and the Childs Memorial Temple Church of God and Christ, the place where Malcolm X’s funeral took place in has already gone down. Today you can take a walk in Harlem a place where just 15 years ago whites were afraid to venture into and see just as much young hipster white kids as blacks.

In 2013 low-income tenants and neighborhoods in Harlem thought they would be safe from the renovation and integration of whites when mayor Bill de Blasio ran with a strong stance on Housing Affordability but so far he has done a little to ensure that these neighborhoods are protected from gentrification. As the New York Time article states “Instead, he has pushed for private development and identified unprotected, landmark-quality buildings as targets. He and the City Council have effectively swept aside contextual zoning limits, which curb development that might change the very essence of a neighborhood, in Harlem and Inwood, farther north.” There is little being done to combat this integration and the rising cost of apartments is effectively pushing low-income tenants out.