Harlem History Tour, New York
Harlem’s one of those places in New York I’ve always wanted to visit but never have. So I do the least touristy thing possible, booked a walking tour… This particular tour started from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, in Harlem. Tours run Friday afternoon starting from 2pm and then again on Sunday Morning at 9:45am. If you’re interested in taking a tour you can do so by booking through freetoursbyfoot.com.
The tour lasts roughly around 2 hours and is pay as you feel. Our tour guide, Bill. Was a Harlem Local and had a vast knowledge of the history as well as some lesser known facts that might go unnoticed but the general public. It starts from 135th St and Makes it way down to 125th St, where the tour ends at the World Famous Apollo Theater.
A bit of a backstory before we get the ball rolling. Harlem became prominent during WW1 between the 1910/30’s. This was due to several factors and was based on the Great Migration from the Southern States. The Great Migration of African Americans to Harlem is due the fact Southern States passing laws which prevented black citizens from voting as well as mandated racial segregation. This started what would be known as the Harlem Renaissance.
At the forefront of the renaissance where artist led murals. The Works Progress Administration Art Project was an initiative for the support and employment of artists. It should be noted that 500 Murals were commissioned across hospitals in New York City. The initiative itself is particularly important in black history as these commissions were among the first to be passed by the us government to African American Artists.
After learning briefly about Harlem History it’s hard to continue without Mentioning the Name “Marcus Garvey”. Marcus Garvey an advocate, spokesperson and later even became a prophet for Black Nationalism, Pan-Africanism as well as inspiring the Nation of Islam and Rastafari movements. His known for a lot more than I can summarise in this post but most notably his part in Founding the Universal Negro Improvement Association. In 1916 Garvey settled and formed a chapter of U.N.I.A in Harlem, New York. This was huge for the promotion of a separatist philosophy for social, political, and economic freedom for blacks. Garvey was under surveillance by the Former Director of FBI J Edgar Hoover. Hoover felt threatened by Garvey’s power and was labeled by hoover as a “Notorious Negro Agitator”. Hoover went as far as to infiltrate Garvey’s ranks by placing agents to listen in and spy on Garvey and his people, even managing to sabotage one of Garvey’s Ships “The Black Star Line”. Hoover would later employ this same Methods to obtain Information on Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. Garvey passed away in 1940 due to health related complications. This great man’s ideology lives on through his voice and actions as a politician, entrepreneur, activist and voice for the African community across globe. He will be forever known as a prominent figure in black history and undoubtedly live on through his ideals and the movement of Garveyism.
Whether you’re an out of towner, transplant or a native new yorker, Harlem is one of the places rich in history and is an essential part of new york culture that is not be missed. There’s a bucket load more of history including music that is key to making Harlem, Harlem. If you’re thinking of taking one of the many tours Harlem has to offer I suggest booking in advance so you can secure a spot. Most of the places are free of charge and you only pay what you feel. Keep in mind if you’re planning on doing this in winter, bring a warm coat as this is a walking tour and you WILL get cold!
