The Harlem News Group launches a crowdfunding campaign on Blackcrowdfunding.net

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, D.C. - May 14, 2013 - PRLog -- According to Pat Stevenson, Publisher of the Harlem News, "For almost 19 years I have published free community newspapers in New York, focusing on neighborhoods that are predominantly African-American. We provide information community members can use regarding resources and opportunities for small businesses and non-profit organizations, as well as healthcare, housing and education.

The Harlem News Group is currently seeking to raise funds to become a more effective resource for the communities we serve. We plan to do this by improving our social media presence, including adding a resource database where community members can easily access the resources available to them. We also plan to continue informational sessions for small businesses, non profits, and the overall community in the areas of education, housing and health."

The NewsGroup currently serves "Harlem, South Bronx, Jamaica Queens and Bedstuyvesant Brooklyn." The publication has a primary focus on "Harlem, our home base.."

With funding from this effort, the paper will "expand our coverage areas to other neighborhoods in New York and New Jersey, then eventually offer franchise opportunities in other cities. Our expansion plans will give hundreds the opportunity for freelance and part time work, as well as a full time staff and internships."

         Harlem News faces a challenging and competitive environment. There are more than 300 free community newspapers in New York City. Harlem News is "the only 'free' community newspaper in the New York metro area specifically targeting the African-American community."

         As Ms. Stevenson noted, "Over 150 years ago Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, abolishing slavery in America. Already freed men in New York published the first Black newspaper, the 'Freedom Journal.' It was the first time Black people had a place they could spread 'Good News' in their community and get information on what being a free man meant. Black newspapers remain relevant today, because we continue to be a place where we can spread the 'good news' in our community and let the citizens in the areas we serve know of the resources they have in available so they can improve their lifestyle, as well as for their family and community.

At the Harlem News Group, Inc. our focus is to empower the communities we serve."

Via Crowdfunding, this publication will be able to survive and thrive.