Why Harlem is One of NYC's Most Historic Neighborhoods

Comedian and tour guide, Tom Delgado, shows you around Central Harlem, retelling the story of how it started as farmland, became an immigrant stronghold, then became an international hub of black culture. Tom also covers the issues facing the neighborhood today, including gentrification. Shot by Eric Thirteen. ***This video focuses on Harlem generally and sites around Central Harlem. There is a video on Spanish Harlem coming soon, so relax!***

[LuciePohl]

There's no one better on YouTube! Everyone needs more TomDNYC in their life!!!

[winter]

Tom please start a weekly podcast about life, travel, etc. It would be so popular.

[johnmayerislovee]

In the early 80's when I attended Columbia, my family and friends told me to never venture into Harlem and stay south of the school. Naturally I never listened and had a great time in Harlem.

[amandaquinn]

Nyc council should put you on payroll. The good work you do to explain the history and talk about the different areas. Keep up the fab work Tom.

[harlemhistory]

Good good Tom!!💪🏽💪🏽 I wish you spoke about Morningside Hights, Riverside drive, Harlem river drive, Lenox lounge, cotton club, general grant memorial, the cathedral church of st. John...👍🏽

[Moncriefs]

honestly love the way you broke down the gentrification and the passion you had in your voice about the message alone. I salute you man

[MojoMama]

Very rich cultural info we need to know! Thank you for your hard work. Love this ❤

[justkhloevlogging]

Ugh. My beautiful Harlem. This hurts my heart. Harlem def raised me. I walked to 125th street every weekend just to buy records and sneakers. I lived 10 blocks north but 125th felt like family 2 blocks away. Harlem will always have my heart.

[TheSusan]

Im in Brooklyn Bed Stuy and Gentrafication is forcing me out after 17 yrs im heartbroken some 1 should address the emotional things people go through when they have to b uprooted from what they may consider their HOME 😢😢

[Gl]

I know for a fact how passionate you are against gentrification…many of your viewers don’t realize how serious you can be in person because of the antics and humor you show on camera…but me having taken your tour I can tell people how dead serious you get when speaking on gentrification and the same things you’re talking about in this video….I encourage everyone to take your tour so you can take them to places and people who where around before the gentrification of Manhattan.

[seanmullan]

I stayed in New York in December and decided to stay in one of the Brown stones in Harlem for a week. Awesome place. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪

[greghummel]

This was less about landmarks as it was about politics of the changing times, but I’m here for it. I’d rather hear these truths than see what the 10 best rooftop brunch spots in midtown are. This is your magic, Tom. I call it the Bourdain Factor. Keep it going.

[constance]

Love your speech on gentrification. Love Harlem!! Great video Tom!!

[DQs-gynk]

Love this video and the richness in history. I am also glad that you mention the "G" word since it what keeps happening in alot of urban areas. And I agree that not enough people get involved in city / state politics because they feel federal is most important but our cities need more help.

[izzythekidd]

FINALLY!!! Ive been waiting on this one for a long long time. Cant wait to learn something with this video Tom!!

[missyyourist]

Does anyone else think Tom should run for office?!?! I don't live in NYC but if I did he'd have my vote!!!

[mybeautifulview]

Tom, thank you for such a concise yet accessible description of gentrification.

I live in one of the most historically deprived communities in Liverpool, England (according to the UK Index of Multiple Deprivation) Developers & out of town speculators have been buying up all the properties for a few years now, forcing/pricing local working class families out in the process.

I felt as though you were describing my neighbourhood and the local government officials who ‘manage’ it.

The sad reality is, it is the same story in countless communities. The disparities grow as the harsh realities of life for many, are stealthily hidden from the view of those who can afford to pay not to see it.

Gratitude & love 🙏🏼❤️

[chrisjb]

Congrats on 60k Tom! Been here since 17K I think. This vid will be great. We used to live just beside Marcus Garvey Park a few years ago but we're back home in New Zealand right now. Will be back in the big apple one day soon we hope. Cheers mate keep up the tremendous work.

[keet]

Happy 60k subscribers Tom. Well deserved. I noticed Tom was really passionate about the information he was giving in the video. Great job.

[adrianla]

Would love to see a walking tour of coney island!