Supporting the protection of the name Harlem.

Whereas Harlem is a treasure of New York and throughout its history has played a significant role in shaping the culture and political landscape of the United States; Whereas the name Harlem is inextricably connected to its history and legacy; Whereas since the early 20th century, Harlem has been recognized internationally as a major residential, cultural, and business center with a strong Black history; Whereas the Harlem Renaissance attracted the greatest African American writers, artists, musicians, and thinkers from across the country and allowed these intellectuals to fully express themselves and thrive in their fields; Whereas the Harlem Renaissance redefined how the United States and the world viewed African Americans and continues to inspire African American artists and intellectuals to this day; Whereas Harlem is an icon and capital of the African Diaspora; Whereas thousands of foreigners travel to Harlem for tourism each week to learn about and see the history of the neighborhood; Whereas love for Harlem runs through the veins of longtime residents and instantly inspires those who visit; Whereas the deep love that residents’ have for Harlem can be found for similarly historical and influential neighborhoods around the world; Whereas Harlem is a state of mind and way of being, and residents have long possessed resilience, pride, and fearlessness; Whereas Congressmen Adam Clayton Powell and Charles B. Rangel were born and raised in Harlem and represented the neighborhood in the House of Representatives for a combined 72 years; Whereas Harlem’s legacy has been instrumental in the legacies of Malcolm X, Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, Harry Belafonte, W.E.B. Du Bois, Colin Powell, Countee Cullen, Marcus Garvey, Langston Hughes, Josephine Baker, Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Bessie Smith, and Jacob Lawrence; Whereas Harlem is home to 56 registered landmarks including Apollo Theater, Harlem Hospital Center, Hotel Theresa, Mount Sinai Hospital, Rucker Park, Savoy Ballroom, Strivers’ Row, Sylvia’s Soul Food, Lenox Lounge, and Abyssinian Baptist Church; and Whereas an attempt to rebrand Harlem as SoHa That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the protection of the name Harlem; (2) supports imposing limitations on the ability to change the name of a neighborhood based on economic gain; (3) expresses support for the inclusion of community input in any decision to change the name of the Harlem neighborhood; (4) expresses that a single entity should not have the jurisdiction to change the name of a neighborhood; (5) encourages a formal and public vote as a requirement for any change to the name of the neighborhood; (6) hopes that GPS manufacturers will recognize Harlem as an official destination for travelers; and (7) encourages input from the community, consideration of its residents, and a formal and public vote before any change to the name or historical landmark of Harlem.

Summary: Supports: (1) the protection of the name Harlem, (2) imposing limitations on the ability to change the name of a neighborhood based on economic gain, and (3) the inclusion of community input and consideration of community residents in any decision to change the name of the Harlem neighborhood in New York City. Declares that a single entity should not have jurisdiction to change the name of a neighborhood and encourages a formal and public vote as a requirement for any such change. Expresses hope that GPS manufacturers will recognize Harlem as an official destination for travelers.