With gentrification as a significant national trend in most major cities in America, many historical and cultural centers are feeling the winds of change mostly by racial and economic warfare. Harlem is central to this experience as cafes replace bodegas and French bistros replace pattie spots. Cookie-cutter condos line the avenues, raising rents and displacing the community that made Harlem a mecca for African-Americans in New York and worldwide. Organizations that directly serve the community are stretched as state and local resources dry up, local businesses are forced to close, meanwhile money is poured into developing the ideal 125th St laden with chains you can find in any city, USA. As more affluent (and many White) people flood the area in search of larger apartments for less money, what does that mean for the existing community? I like being able to get croissants in the morning, but what happens when I want a good roti? Shouldn't we be supporting Kev's Copy Shop instead of Staples? How do we balance gentrification's pros and cons? I'm a result of gentrification so how can I be a responsible and sensitive resident? How can ensure that the people and history of Harlem can maintain the community they've built while creating a space for a new generation to thrive? Is this is a classic case of new vs. old?
Tonight is your chance to ask some questions and express your thoughts about the "New Harlem." Imagenation presents a preview screening of the "Changing Face of Harlem," a documentary by Shawn Batey, followed by a panel discussion led by Imagenation founder and Harlem community activista, Moikgantsi Kgama. Stand up and speak out!
Imagenation presents:
CHANGING FACE OF HARLEM
a film by Shawn Batey
TONIGHT! Saturday, May 16th @ 7PM
FREE and open to the public. Arrive early, limited seating. Donations are welcomed (suggested donation is $5).
Volunteers needed: contact gregory@imagenation.us
at The National Black Theater
located at 2031-33 National Black Theatre Way
Fifth Avenue (Btwn 125th & 126th Streets)
Harlem, USA
Following the film will be a panel discussion moderated by Moikgantsi Kgama, Founder and Executive Director of the ImageNation Cinema Foundation with the film's maker, city officials and community leaders. Harlem, this is your chance to voice your opinion about the "New Harlem" before this documentary film is completed and plays to the world.
CHANGING FACE OF HARLEM reviews development in Harlem over the last twenty years and ponders the future of the community. From the voices of residents, business owners, politicians, developers and clergy, this documentary reveals feelings of betrayal and hope, deferred dreams, and struggles of a neighborhood. The film illustrates how, in the years of the 1980s and 1990s, the New York City government along with non-profit faith based organizations saved and revamped the abandoned vacant housing stock that became synonymous with Harlem. To support this film, click this link to Women Make Movies and scroll down to CHANGING FACE OF HARLEM project. Contributions from individuals or organizations towards the film are tax-deductible.
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