HarlemThe area that extends north of Manhattan is much larger than simple Place in New YorkThe field is an epicenter of Afro -American culture, the cultural Meca, which influenced not only the United States, but also the whole world.
On their streets, where history and modernity are intertwined, movements that redesigned music, art, politics and Afro -American identity were originated. Harlem, no doubt, is one of the most iconic areas And the representative of the world, not only in its history, but also for the bright energy that continues to proceed today.
The cradle of the Black Age Renaissance
During the first half of the twentieth century, Harlem became a house for what is known as Harlem Renaissance(Renaissance Harlem), a period of cultural hiss that arose in the 1920s. It was here that artists, musicians, writers and African American thinkers found their voice and space.
Jazz, blues, poetry and art united in Harlem, and figures such as Louis Armstrong, Duke of Ellington and Langston Hughes, became symbols of cultural revival, which resonated throughout the country.
The famous cotton club, Savoy ballroom and Apollo Theater were only some of the symbols, where the sounds and rhythms were born that would change the musical panorama of that time and flourished. Today, Apollo Theater remains a cultural reference and symbol of the Afro -American contribution to world music and art.
The area of ethnic and cultural diversity
For many years, Harlem was a house for a variety of mixture of communities. Since its origin as an Afro -American enclave, it has turned into a multi -cultural surroundings, which houses Puerto Rikans, Dominicans, Mexicans, Haitians and, recently, Europeans and Afro -Exarnis around the world. This variety is reflected in the everyday life of the neighborhood: in its markets, such as a market where the products of the Caribbean are sold; In stores between 111 and 116 streets and in restaurants, such as Sylvia’s, a link to the gastronomy of the soul, which serves typical dishes of Afro -American southern food.
The influence of the gospel on religion
You cannot talk about Harlem without mentioning your connection with the music of the gospel. Harlem’s churches, such as the Abyssinian Baptist Church and Mother’s Church, were and continue to be fundamental centers of cultural and religious life in the neighborhood. Gospel music, which finds its root in Afro -American churches, has become the basis of many social and political movements in society, becoming a car to express the struggle for civil rights.
At present, Harley remains the center of religious holidays, and the Gospel remains one of the most striking expressions. Harlem churches, both for residents and tourists, offer a unique experience that goes beyond religion, because it is a holiday of life, struggle and hope for the Afro -American community.
Harlem, today
Harlem, like many other New York historical areas, survived significant transformations in recent decades. Despite the statements and changes that influenced their traditional community, Harley remains the soul of Afro -American culture. In recent years, efforts to revive the district have led to the surge of new enterprises, cultural centers, art galleries and public projects.
Despite these changes, Harleus retains its essence. Harlem still remembers the history of struggle and resistance, about the great social and cultural movements. Modern Harley remains a place where art, music, gastronomy and politics are mixed, all in a dynamic environment of diversity.