Thank you for your interest in Harlem NOW. Harlem needs YOU!

 

At this very moment, decisions are being made about our community by elected officials, buildings are being built by developers, plans are being made and resources allocated by government agencies. During the past year, there were aggressive actions surrounding the Columbia University Westside expansion and the 125th Street re-zoning. We also saw debate about the drummers in Marcus Garvey Park and concerns about public safety. There are many more issues pending that will dramatically and permanently affect Harlem and the people who call Harlem home. That is you and your neighbors who have chosen to live here.

 

As community stakeholders, it is imperative that we are included both in the discussion and the process of determining equitable solutions. Our opinions, ideas and insights must be considered as important decisions are made that will impact our families and generations to come.

 

We need a new approach to how people in our community relate to one another and how decisions are made that affect our daily lives. We need to be resourceful in responding to the rapid changes that threaten to overwhelm our community. We need political leadership that inspires our community to new greatness. As we face a new year teeming with threatening prospects, we need to come together to make sure our needs are being addressed. We must speak as one voice and demand that all of Harlem be heard.

 

The excitement that galvanized Harlem during the Obama campaign has inspired a new sense of purpose for many and promoted the sense that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. The Obama call to action, Yes we can! is a mantra we must continue to embrace as we face the uncertainty of 2009.

 

Harlem NOW is dedicated to:

 

Providing a platform for the exchange of information and ideas. A true democracy requires the free exchange of divergent viewpoints. A consensus can only be achieved if all parties are respected, included and heard.

 

Promoting issues that are important to our diverse community. Many of you have expressed concern that your perspective is not being addressed or that you do not have a mechanism to voice your opinions. We need to build an agenda for what Harlem needs now.

 

Challenging our elected officials to do a better job of incorporating our views into their decision-making process.  Let us not forget that they are they are elected to represesent ALL of us but will only listen if we are proactive. We have to make our opinions known.

 

Developing a new generation of leaders who will continue to engage with the community. The days of machine politics in Harlem are over. We need a reservoir of talent; qualified candidates who are ready to step up to public service during every election cycle..

 

Encouraging community service at every level. There are many ways in which each and every one of us can make a difference in bettering our community -- from mentoring to park clean-up to vigilance about safety.

 

 

What Harlem NOW needs from you?

 

Harlem NOW is growing very quickly. In just a few weeks, we have surpassed 300 members --proving that our community is feeling a sense of urgency and looking for a way to express its energy. Here is your opportunity to get involved.

 

Now that you have expressed your interest, we need you to become active in our effort. Harlem NOW will grow organically and reach its potential through our collective effort. We can only grow if you get involved and pass the word to your neighbors and friends.

Harlem NOW hosts regular events where we can meet each other personally and share their ideas, insights and information. These meetings give us an opportunity to interact with our neighbors and make connections that promote unity -- regardless of racial or socio-economic differences. We hope you will join us at an upcoming event and take a step forward toward connecting with your community and moving our collective agenda forward.

 

In the meantime, if you would like to share your thoughts, ideas, links or information, please feel free to contact me via email.

 

We look forward to working together to build Harlem NOW into a force for change that leads to a better life for us all!

 

Vincent S. Morgan
Founder

 

E-mail: info@harlemnow.org