ving in harmony. The property value was nearly quadrupled, showing the progress made by the Seneca community. This progress was stopped in an attempt to capitalize on property owned by New York City elites. For example, the mayor’s property value skyrocketed 50 times higher than its original cost.The significance of Seneca Village is not only that is was the first property owned by an African American community in New York City; it is also the predecessor of Harlem. In addition, Seneca Village demonstrated the progress made by African Americans in overcoming the obstacles that were presented to them by racist America. New York City’s government should remember the Village it destroyed not only as a historic landmark, but for something it still has yet to achieve--a society in which all members lived in harmony. The next time you walk through Central Park, imagine a diverse community of people coexisting in harmony. Knowing the accurate history of Central Park, we should continue to pay tribute to the lost community--Seneca Village....
