Harlem is a cultural Mecca for Black America, giving birth to some of the most celebrated musicians, artists, writers, and activists in history. However, as Columbia University grows larger and larger in its population and wealth, it has been looking to expand further into West Harlem. This expansion threatens the important history of Harlem and its residents, as the community, which would be displaced by further encroachment, is what makes Harlem, Harlem. Many Harlem residents fear that the expansion of Columbia’s campus, in addition to destroying several acres of historic buildings, will cause an influx of higher income residents, increasing rent prices and pushing out many of the Black and brown residents who have lived in Harlem for generations and depend on affordable housing. Harlem is just one of many lower-income neighborhoods of color facing the reality of gentrification at the hands of municipal governments and private developers, begging the question of if and how the legal system might protect marginalized communities from the whims of the rich, white, and powerful.

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