A group of House Democrats has proposed a resolution that says efforts by New York businesses to rebrand a part of Harlem as “SoHa,” for “South Harlem” would be an insult to that historic section of the city.
“[A]n attempt to rebrand Harlem as ‘SoHa’ is insulting,” said the House resolution offered by Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., and cosponsored by 10 other New York Democrats.
The resolution praised the “history and legacy” of Harlem, and is home to some of the country’s “greatest African American writers, artists, musicians, and thinkers.”
“[L]ove for Harlem runs through the veins of longtime residents and instantly inspires those who visit,” it added. “Harlem is a state of mind and way of being, and residents have long possessed resilience, pride, and fearlessness.”
Businesses in Harlem have been pressing for the use of the term “SoHa” for the area of Harlem from 110th Street to 125th Streets in Manhattan, to match names like TriBeCa and SoHo.
But the resolution said lawmakers support the name Harlem, and support “imposing limitations on the ability to change the name.” It also said it “hopes that GPS manufacturers will recognize Harlem as an official destination for travelers.”
Read the resolution here:
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