Fundraiser Seeks To Help Family Of Harlem Advocate April Tyler

HARLEM, NY — Neighbors have launched an online fundraiser for the family of April Tyler, the prominent Harlem housing advocate who died unexpectedly last week.

"April was a devoted mother, daughter, community member and activist, local political leader, advocate for affordable housing, yoga enthusiast and a proud African-American woman who fought tirelessly for what she believed in while inspiring others to do so as well," wrote Signe Mortenson, who co-chaired Community Board 9's housing, land use and zoning committee with Tyler.

The GoFundMe, which Mortenson created on Wednesday, is seeking to raise $15,000 for Tyler's mother, Sylvia, who survives her daughter and will devote the proceeds in part to a burial and memorial service. It had received more than $2,500 by Friday afternoon.

Tyler's death on Feb. 16 at age 60 triggered an outpouring of grief, especially from her neighbors in West Harlem and longtime colleagues on Community Board 9.

She was remembered for championing the cause of affordable, HDFC co-ops, grilling developers who sought to build in West Harlem and working to preserve neighborhood landmarks.

Related coverage: April Tyler, Tenacious Harlem Housing Advocate, Dies At 60

"April’s knowledge of the issues facing West Harlem and her decades long relationships with elected officials and the public and private sector made her an undisputed leader in the fight for affordable housing and, in particular, affordable ownership, creating generational wealth for low income and black families in New York for years to come," Mortenson wrote.

Other ways to honor Tyler, Mortenson said, include joining a Community Board 9 meeting or applying to join your own local board; learning about healthy eating habits from the Raven Starr Tyler Foundation; and registering to vote.