Background

We are a social enterprise connecting people living in Harlem to arts and cultural industries’ opportunities that help them achieve economic self-sufficiency and their full potential. Training has always been a priority at SoHarlem: over the years we taught hundreds of unemployed and under-employed neighbors the skills needed to find well-paying jobs. 

Economic development in West Harlem, intensified by gentrification and the expansion of Columbia University, has largely bypassed communities of color, particularly women.

Since 2011, SoHarlem has made it possible for many of our long-term neighbors to benefit from and participate in our sustainable economic development programs in West Harlem. We have also worked with our partners to keep Harlem’s ethnic, cultural, and aesthetic traditions and practices vital during a time of social change and transition.

Mission

To create equitable opportunities in Harlem through cultural industries workforce development.

Vision

SoHarlem has played a lead role in the transformation of the once desolate and decaying Manhattanville Factory District into a place where creative people run successful micro-businesses that employ local residents earning liveable wages.  SoHarlem represents the intersection of the arts and community development sending a message to all that they matter.

Since SoHarlem’s inception, we have explored a range of cultural industry opportunities dedicated to racial and social equity. The 20 or more creative entrepreneurs who we’ve incubated have established their own cottage industries, selling everything from custom-made, couture garments to fashion accessories and face masks.

Program focus

Of particular interest at SoHarlem is addressing the fashion industry’s continued struggle with racial equity by encouraging micro enterprises. Our Designers’ Studio, a fully equipped, compact manufacturing plant, has provided Harlem’s creative entrepreneurs and designers of color access to much needed, affordable work space, recognizing they cannot afford historically expensive apparel services that were once common in the Garment Center.