Told through the personal accounts of residents, business owners, politicians and real estate developers, CHANGING FACE OF HARLEM explores the drastic transformation of this historic neighborhood over a ten year span. The film tackles the pressing issues of class and cultural preservation as the neighborhood struggles to change for the better.

Recognized internationally as “The Black Mecca,” the neighborhood of Harlem was overlooked for decades. Longtime residents weathered the storm despite the abundance of negligent landlords and the lack of basic city services. Bank practices of redlining in the 1980s prevented many residents from purchasing historic brownstones within their own blocks.

Recently, however, Harlem has developed into a prosperous neighborhood for commercial and corporate interests that now consider buying property in the area an ideal investment. With this influx of real estate developments, a younger and more affluent group of new residents has move in dramatically growing and changing the population of Harlem.

Harlem residents have a mixed range of opinions about the future of their community. Some are fearful of what lies ahead and look towards the past for the best of its years. Others foresee a brighter future and happier days for a better Harlem. The consensus in the community is a concern and necessity for cultural preservation.

As urban communities of color across the nation face similar struggles, CHANGING FACE OF HARLEM addresses the timely issues of urban renewal, gentrification and how a community deals with the challenge of maintaining identity while accepting change.