Launched in 1937, the Harlem Neighborhoods Association (HANA) served as a clearinghouse for various social agencies and community organizations operating in Harlem until 1978. The Harlem Neighborhoods Association audio collection consists of three audio recordings, including some of their meetings.
Launched in 1937, the Harlem Neighborhoods Association (HANA) served as a clearinghouse for various social agencies and community organizations operating in Harlem until 1978. Originally the West Harlem Council of Social Agencies, it reorganized and changed its name to the Harlem Neighborhoods Association in 1959. During its first year of existence it attracted more than 150 individual members and some twenty-four agencies. For the next fifteen years, they organized public campaigns in Harlem around issues such as drug prevention and rehabilitation, housing renovation, school desegregation and decentralization, community control, day care facilities for children, better hospitals, and youth services. HANA was one of the initial sponsors of "Harlem Youth Day" and was instrumental in setting up a mental health clinic at Harlem Hospital. Due to funding difficulties, the organization disbanded after 1976.
The Harlem Neighborhoods Association audio collection consists of three audio recordings with descriptions for each side of the original cassettes. They are arranged chronologically. The collection includes HANA meetings on a mental health proposal, narcotics addiction, and school suspensions.
Collection inventoried by Stacey Doyle Ference. Collection processed and described by Ornella U. Baganizi, archivist; and Shola Lynch, curator. Finding aid published in 2024.
See the Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books Division for the Harlem Neighborhoods Association records, 1941-1978, Sc MG 364.