I partnered with Uptown Grand Central, a non-profit advocating for Harlem’s businesses and residents, to bring customers to my neighborhood small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Shot by Evi Abeler, New York based Food Photographer.
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Capturing the small businesses that make Harlem grand
Harlem has been my home for over 20 years now — basically all of my adult life — and it has been heart-breaking to see the ramifications of COVID-19 tear through my community. Sadly, the ripple effect is still with us almost three years later. People of color and small businesses have been particularly affected.
Since my company had come to a standstill, I was looking for a way to volunteer and stay involved with the food community. This was also during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests and I knew I wanted to support my neighborhood in the best way I could. So I started volunteering with Uptown Grand Central, an amazing non-profit that advocates for Harlem’s businesses and residents.
I started taking photos of the businesses to help them stay afloat and provide them with much needed materials to promote their services. Not only did this further connect me to the community, but it helped me stay active and creative during the pandemic and I continue to be a part of this organization today.
Here are just some of these inspiring entrepreneurs and their businesses.
Please follow this amazing organization online, and check out their searchable guide to explore all of these Harlem Businesses yourself. You can also volunteer or donate to their efforts.