Whole Foods is Coming to Harlem

Whole Foods is coming to Harlem.  You know what that means, right?  This New York City enclave steeped in African American history and culture is changing.

Since my millennial Channing moved to this northern section of the New York City borough of Manhattan last year, I’ve explored the look and feel of this once central hub of African American businesses and culture. Picture the Harlem Renaissance.

Harlem has some areas of blight (and what areas don’t, honestly?). Nevertheless, it sounds like the Manhattan developers got the memo on the next latest and most fantastic profitable area to revive.

The economic boom seems to shift once a Whole Foods grocery store moves into the neighborhood.
The grocery store naturally provides healthy, fresh food options for anyone living or working in Harlem. Who doesn’t want that? Whole Foods is nicely positioned next to Starbucks, another national chain store, across the street on Lenox Avenue.

First, Whole Foods, then Harlem, starts to transform into an area that not only millennials want to resort to, but people of all colors and ages seek more affordable housing with significant shopping conveniences.

This New York City visit was to celebrate my daughter’s starting a new position as a fashion news writer at Refinery 29. I will also visit the Brooklyn Museum to see my best friend Cynthia’s handmade bags displayed in the store.

One thing about my daughter, Channing, is that you will experience wherever she lives. Harlem is home to many restaurants and chic shops, which we saw while walking to our dining destination, Chéri Harlem. This classy French Bistro did not disappoint for brunch. We enjoyed free-flowing mimosas and beautiful Parisian entree choices while seated in the garden for al fresco dining.

After we left our chic brasserie, we strolled past the Harlem Haberdashery, which has been located in a beautiful brownstone building (like the ones New York City is known for) for 20 years. This enduring boutique sells trendy clothing. Corner Social and Red Rooster are also excellent upscale dining choices in Harlem.

And right around the corner is the world-famous New York City landmark, the Apollo Theater. Since 1934,  it has showcased African American musical and artistic talent.

Now, let’s move on to the second reason for our visit to New York City.  This venture took us to another one of the five boroughs, Brooklyn, specifically the Brooklyn Museum.  This location was at least 40 minutes away via public transportation. I won’t even talk about our subway experience.

The crowded subway ride was worth the thrill of seeing my best friend’s handmade products displayed in the Brooklyn Museum bookstore. I also saw the excitement among some shoppers when Cynthia shared that she designed the African-inspired fold-over clutches and pouches displayed.

The hubbies, Channing and I, were so excited to see Cynthia’s products displayed that we didn’t take in the current museum exhibits on Georgia O’Keeffe and Black Radical Women. Instead, we opted to sit outside for froyo from a food truck.  The froyo wasn’t Pinkberry but was just as delicious.

Thank God some things about Harlem will never change.  We will be reminded of the history, people, and culture of the significant street name modifications made over the years.

♦  In the 1970s, two Harlem Streets were sub-named for significant African American figures:

8th Avenue = Frederick Douglass Boulevard in 1977
7th Avenue = Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard in 1974

♦  In the 1980s, two more Harlem streets were sub-named for two African-American assassinated Civil Rights leaders:

Lenox Boulevard = Malcolm X Boulevard (1925 – 1965) in 1987
125th Street =  Rev., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., (1929-1968) in 1984

♦ American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes (1902-1967) 1869 brownstone still stands on 20 East 127th Street.  The home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.  Between 5th and Madison Avenues, East 127th Street is sub-named Langston Hughes Place.

♠  Hughes’s ashes are interred beneath a floor medallion in the middle foyer of the Schomburg Center for Research in Harlem.  I hope to visit the Schomburg on one of my subsequent visits to New York City.

Whole Foods is Coming to Harlem on July 21—that’s right! The neighborhood will experience the “Whole Foods effect,” which means an increase in real estate value. This is excellent news for people who own homes but not for people who rent.

Have a stylish and happy week.