Harlem is a neighborhood in the northern section of the New York City borough of Manhattan. Famous for its intimate jazz clubs, soul food institutions, and African-American heritage. East Harlem has a large Dominican and Puerto Rican population and used to be an Italian neighborhood. It has both a large area of parkland and a large number of parks.
In the early 20th century, African Americans were fleeing from The South hoping for a better life in The North. Harlem became one of the most important and famous African American neighborhoods in the United States. During the Great Depression, unemployment in Harlem went past 20% and people were being evicted from their homes.
Here below are some stunning vintage photos that show life in 1940s Harlem.
