PETITION: SAVE THE RENAISSANCE BALLROOM

This archival photo is a portrait of the first professional black basketball team called the Renaissance Big Five at the Renaissance Ballroom which was the home court from 1923 up until 1949 when the sport was still segregated.   All of Harlem's major society events including debutante balls, concert performances, weddings and sports were held at the famous venue which should be a national landmark but real estate politics have prevented this from happening.

 A Change.org campaign has been started to save the Renaissance Ballroom at 138th Street and 7th Avenue from demolition.  As we mentioned in the past, the historic site which was one of the only significant social venues during the Harlem Renaissance that was actually built by African-Americans had been prevented from landmark status because the church that owned the building thought more developers would come along if limitations were not set to the site. One eventually materialized recently and now plans to demolish everything for a new residential construction has been revealed.

Over 1,469 signatures have been added on to the petition but thousands will probably be needed to get the message across.  Those interested can take a moment and quickly add their name to the roster along with reading more on the incredible history of the Renny: LINK