AGENCY TESTIMONY
Demographics and development of the Willoughby Hart district
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33 sec
The Willoughby Hart Historic District is characterized by long, consistent rows of preserved row houses. The area's demographics shifted over time, from early Jewish immigrants to a predominantly African American community by the mid-20th century.
- Initially inhabited by Jewish immigrants, many local business owners
- Homes transitioned from owner-occupied to multi-family rentals in 1920s
- By 1969, 80% of Bedford-Stuyvesant population was black, 10% Puerto Rican
Lisa Kersavage
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The district is characterized by long consistent rows of preserved row houses.
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Many of the early inhabitants of these houses were Jewish immigrants from Russia, many of whom were also local business owners.
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The homes were owner occupied until the 19 twenties when most were split between multiple families who rented space.
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By the mid 20th century, the African American community grew here as it did in the larger Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood.
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And in 1969, of the 250,000 people living in Bedford Stuyvesant, 80% were black, and 10% were Puerto Rican.
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Next slide.
