Please join us Wednesday, May 13^th, 7:00pm at The Salvation Army, 2306 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, NYC.

Guest speakers will be:

Theo Harris, NY Democratic Lawyers Council

_{Considering the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Voting Rights Act and the potential for increased voter suppression this election cycle, it is imperative that we achieve a historic voter turnout this Fall.  Theo will share insights and also speak about voter protection workshops to educate and encourage voters to create a concrete plan to vote.}

Marco Shalma, Founder & CEO, We Are Here, Harlem Summer Nights 2026

Marco will share with us the long-term focus for this year’s Harlem Summer Nights - a seven-week Friday night cultural residency built by the team behind the Uptown Night Market. From July 10 through August 21. This is an opportunity to learn about the residency model, economic impact, and community framework and explore how we can work together.

We anticipate an engaging meeting and hope to see you there!

Harlem continues to be a place where culture, music, and community converge. From April 25 through May 2, 2026, the New York Philharmonic is presenting a Music and Wellness Series, available to the public free of charge, offering an experience that blends artistic expression with community well-being.

https://www.harlemonestop.com/event/34604/new-york-philharmonic-partners-with-harlem-to-host-free-music-and-wellness-series-at-abyssinian-baptist-church

Abyssinian Baptist Church (123 West 138th Street, New York, NY) will host two featured installations as part of the series:

• Love and Kindness – April 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM

• Deep Listening – May 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM

These experiences are designed to bring together music and mindfulness, creating space for reflection, connection, and intentional wellness within the community.

Events such as these go beyond entertainment — they serve to uplift and unify communities, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing wellness in everyday life. Harlem, rich in cultural legacy, continues to provide opportunities where residents and visitors alike can gather with purpose and experience the transformative power of music.

Mindfulness and wellness remain essential components of a thriving society, and through initiatives like this, the Harlem community is offered a meaningful space to pause, reflect, and engage.

Seating for the series is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in instrument “try-out” sessions led by New York Philharmonic Teaching Artists — further enhancing engagement and accessibility.

Additional programming will include the New York Philharmonic at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY), scheduled for May 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM, extending this unique cultural experience beyond Harlem while remaining deeply connected to the surrounding community.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXFQYhiEvoP/?igsh=MWloejdiZWIyOHdleQ==

Written by:

 Danyal Sorel 

The 2026 Spring Job and Internship Fair, hosted by The City College of New York (CCNY) on March 12, welcomed 761 students who engaged with 56 organizations, according to CCNY’s Career and Professional Development Institute (CPDI).

Harlem continues to bring excellent employment resources to the community, particularly during a time when economic shifts are impacting individuals in different ways — creating both challenges and opportunities across today’s job market. Events such as CCNY’s Job and Internship Fair provide those in attendance with access to meaningful resources that support advancement in both career and academia.

In reflecting on the current employment landscape, CPDI Senior Associate Director Rhea Faniel noted, “AI and the economy have changed employer recruiting practices, affecting the attendance of businesses this year.”(https://harlemview.com/city-college/2026/04/job-fair-gives-insight-into-tough-job-market/)

The event was promoted through CPDI via electronic communication, social media, and the Career Connections portal — ensuring students were informed and prepared to engage. Attendees were provided with company insights and encouraged to apply for opportunities through online portals, reinforcing the importance of preparation and follow-through in today’s evolving hiring process.

A representative from the Connecticut Department of Transportation emphasized the importance of alignment between skills and roles, stating, “We look to hire a number of people. If you say you specialize in the communication department, we won’t place you in the accounting department.” The statement underscored the growing need for clarity, specialization, and intentional career direction.

With room for continued growth and enhancement, the Fair also highlighted the importance of developing job skills within a rapidly evolving workforce — particularly as it relates to Artificial Intelligence (AI), its practical application, and the ongoing conversation around its regulation.

Harlem benefits from continued engagement of this kind — events that center career advancement, youth opportunity, and access to information that prepares individuals for a changing economic landscape. CCNY further supports this mission by ensuring that all students can access career advisors for resume preparation and cover letter development through CPDI by scheduling an appointment.
(https://harlemview.com/city-college/2026/04/job-fair-gives-insight-into-tough-job-market/)

Additional information regarding the Spring Job and Internship Fair can be found at:

• https://ccny-csm.symplicity.com/events/156af84b2116c1a60fa101d780cc964c/employers

• https://www.instagram.com/p/DVwtiB1ERhV/

Written by: Danyal Sorel

If you live in this historic location, Mount Morris Park, Harlem, NY, sign up to sell from your stoop! If not, plan to attend the May 17th Stoop sale and enjoy browsing and purchasing wonderful items. See the flyer for details about participating.

Don’t miss out on this interactive educational experience! - Secure your seat today!

Sign up using the QR code for an interactive educational seminar designed to help young people explore their future options with clarity and confidence.

Lt. Álvaro Velásquez (He/Him)
Assistant Corps Officer | The Salvation Army │Manhattan Citadel
175 E 125th Street, New York, NY 10035
Phone: (212) 860-3200 (ext. 205)

The Community Initiatives of New York (TCIONY) (https://www.tciony.org/) hosted Weather or Not 2.0 on March 31, 2026, at The Forum at Columbia University (605 W 125th St., Harlem). Featuring a panel of female meteorologists and STEM professionals, the event delivered a truly inspirational experience focused on career pathways, climate awareness, and community impact — welcoming over 100 participants in attendance.

The coordinated event, held in partnership with NASA and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, was intentionally scheduled during March in honor of Women’s History Month. The Weather the Storm Panel, organized by TCIONY, served as an empowering and interactive forum centered on careers in STEM and meteorology.

The event highlighted key aspects of climate education while also creating meaningful networking opportunities to inspire future leadership and careers in weather and meteorology. Esteemed panelists included Somara Theodore, Brittaney Bell, Dani Beckstrom, Hope Osemwenkhe, and Audrey Puente.
https://www.tciony.org/event-details-1/weather-or-not-your-dreams-matter
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWSS1naDXHh/

TCIONY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black and Brown communities across New York City. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and youth-led initiatives, the organization works to break down barriers, advance equity, and create meaningful opportunities. Their efforts include anti-violence programming and community empowerment initiatives that uplift voices across generations — building stronger, safer, and more vibrant communities.

TCIONY has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to rise. As expressed by the organization, TCIONY is “Where Community, Justice, and Youth Power Unite.”

“Through powerful partnerships with corporations, schools, and community leaders, TCIONY creates programs and initiatives that become stepping stones to progress for individuals and families across New York City. Our heartbeat is rooted in serving underrepresented Black and Brown communities — fighting for justice, equity, opportunity, and voice in the face of systems designed to hold them back.”
(https://www.tciony.org/)

Additional TCIONY programming includes:

• T.A.G. Nights (#YouthSpeaks): A weekly safe space where youth can speak openly about their lived experiences — from school and home to the pressures they navigate daily.
• Teens Against Guns: A youth-led movement confronting gun violence through rallies, marches, and community action — empowering young people as leaders in the fight for safer streets.
• T.A.G. Initiative: Providing young people not just a seat at the table, but the microphone — shaping conversations, leading movements, and proving that when youth speak, the city listens.

TCIONY exists with purpose — grounded in urgency, resilience, and love for community. The organization continues to dismantle systemic barriers, advocate for equity, and empower high-risk youth to become storytellers, leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers for the future.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tciony
https://www.instagram.com/tciony/

Written by: Danyal Sorel

A powerful new film, Newborn, opens in select AMC theaters on April 10—and it’s more than a movie. It’s a conversation we need to have.

On March 31, a virtual town hall brought audiences into an intimate and thought-provoking discussion with director Nate Parker and actor David Oyelowo, who explored the origins of the film and the real-life issues that inspired it. At its core, Newborn confronts the harsh realities of incarceration—specifically the devastating psychological effects of prolonged solitary confinement—and what it means to return to society after enduring it.

But this wasn’t just a film discussion. It was a space for truth, reflection, and awareness—amplified by voices like Rev. Cece Jones-Davis, who continue to advocate for justice and reform.

About the Film

Written and directed by Nate Parker, Newborn stars David Oyelowo as Chris Newborn—a man attempting to rebuild his life after spending seven years in solitary confinement.

What should feel like freedom quickly becomes something far more complex.

As Chris tries to reconnect with his family and reclaim his identity, he finds himself navigating a psychological battleground shaped by isolation, trauma, and the unseen scars of incarceration. The film offers a raw and human look at reentry—one that challenges us to consider not just punishment, but healing.

Why This Film Matters

Newborn shines a light on a systemic issue that too often remains unseen. It invites us to sit with uncomfortable truths—and to better understand the human impact behind policies and practices within the justice system.

This is storytelling with purpose.

Where to Watch

As a limited theatrical release, Newborn will be shown in select theaters, including:

• AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9

• AMC Empire 25

🎟️ Get tickets:
https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/newborn-83288

Support the Movement

Organizations and community groups are encouraged to host theater buyouts to help amplify this important story and spark dialogue.

If the film resonates with you, share your voice using #NEWBORN.

Group screening request:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd0DV-h7lG6BddOpZ3gl2XsYUEIeaRsHAOs-EeIgzk5omaXg/viewform

Newborn is not just a film—it’s an invitation.
To witness. To reflect. To engage. And ultimately, to see people—not just systems.

 Please join us Wednesday, April 8^th, 7:00pm at The Salvation Army, 2306 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, NYC.

Guest speakers will be:

Marco Shalma, Founder & CEO, We Are Here, Harlem Summer Nights 2026

Marco will share with us the long-term focus for this year’s Harlem Summer Nights - a seven-week Friday night cultural residency built by the team behind the Uptown Night Market. From July 10 through August 21. This is an opportunity to learn about the residency model, economic impact, and community framework and explore how we can work together.

Tyler Kunkel & Chris Ventura, NEWMARK – Real Estate Opportunity

Tyler & Chris will share information about real estate available; a 22,500 SF community facility located at 46 West 116th Street in the Kalahari Condominium, between Malcolm X Boulevard and Fifth Avenue.   This is a unique opportunity to learn about a well-located community facility space in Harlem, Northern Manhattan.

Dr John Ducksworth, Executive Director, EastView Independent Senior Living (the apartment building located above the Salvation Army).

As follow up to his March presentation, he will provide a tour of the facility. Don’t miss the opportunity to see all this space has to offer.

We anticipate an engaging meeting and hope to see you there!

Sign up using the QR code for an interactive educational seminar designed to help young people explore their future options with clarity and confidence.

Lt. Álvaro Velásquez (He/Him)
Assistant Corps Officer | The Salvation Army │Manhattan Citadel
175 E 125th Street, New York, NY 10035
Phone: (212) 860-3200 (ext. 205)

Harlem, alongside the historic Riverside Church, experienced the loss of an esteemed pillar of the community on February 6, 2026 — an undeniable matriarch of society and the First Lady of Riverside Church, Mrs. Bettye Forbes (490 Riverside Drive, Manhattan, NY).

Mrs. Bettye Jean Franks Forbes, born March 24, 1935, transitioned on February 6, 2026. Yet, the life she lived was nothing short of remarkable — one rooted in purpose, culture, and unwavering dedication to preserving the richness of the African American experience.

As Founder and Director of The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble, established in 1979, Mrs. Forbes carried a mission of profound importance: to preserve, promote, and perform the music of the African American religious experience. Her work stood as both preservation and proclamation — ensuring that generations to come would remain connected to a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual legacy.

Her commitment to uplifting and sustaining African American musical heritage reflects a life lived in service — to community, to culture, and to faith.

Mrs. Forbes’ Memorial Service, held at Riverside Church on March 24, 2026, served as a powerful reflection of her impact — a gathering not only of remembrance, but of reverence.

Mrs. Bettye Forbes, an amazing and dedicated “Mother of the Movement,” leaves behind a legacy marked by valor, distinction, and cultural stewardship. Her life calls for panegyric regard and eulogistic praise of the highest order.

A woman of great distinction, Mrs. Forbes’ eternal legacy lives on — in Harlem, in music, and in the hearts of all who were touched by her work.

Additional information may be found here:
https://www.stevenlyonsfuneralhome.com/obituary/MrsBettyeJeanFranks-Forbes

Memorial Service:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMAJ45IlDFU

Written by: Danyal Sorel

Harlem Stage continues to be a home for bold talent and creative expression right here in Harlem.

With a lineup of exciting events from April 20–27, 2026, the community is invited to experience the energy of the E-Moves Festival 2026. Highlights include the Camille A. Brown Masterclass & Conversation, WATERWORKS 20th Anniversary World Premiere, Paris is Burning 35th Anniversary Screening & Discussion, and Black Men in Dance. Tickets are available at: https://tickets.harlemstage.org/events

Founded in 1983, Harlem Stage has long been a space where, as they say, “adventurous and daring creation knows no bounds.” Rooted in Harlem but reaching the world, the organization continues to uplift artists and cultural voices with purpose and freedom.

With decades of excellence behind it, Harlem Stage remains a powerful force in the arts—bringing unforgettable experiences to the community and beyond.

Written by: Danyal Sorel

SMOKE Jazz Club in Harlem (https://smokejazz.com/) — said to have opened in 1999 — continues to shine as a vibrant home for live jazz, where the spirit of the music and the intimacy of the venue remain as strong today as ever.

Known for its alluring atmosphere and close, candlelit setting that allows jazz lovers and patrons to fully experience the music, SMOKE Jazz Club has long been recognized for exceptional live performances and remarkable sound.

Now, SMOKE has announced the return of NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron, who will perform a special five-night concert series from March 25 through March 29, 2026. Performances will take place at SMOKE Jazz Club with sets at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., with an additional 10:00 p.m. set on Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 4:00 p.m.

The legendary pianist will lead an essential trio featuring bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and drummer Johnathan Blake, bringing together musicians of extraordinary artistry for what promises to be an unforgettable series of performances.

Described by The Los Angeles Times as “one of the top jazz pianists in the world,” Kenny Barron remains one of the undisputed masters of jazz piano, known for mesmerizing audiences through elegant phrasing, sensitive melodies, and rhythms that carry both sophistication and soul. Jazz Weekly has similarly praised Barron as “the most lyrical piano player of our time.”

Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the junction of Broadway and 106th Street (Duke Ellington Boulevard), SMOKE Jazz Club stands among New York City’s premier venues for live music. The club is renowned for presenting timeless jazz programming featuring legendary performers, modern masters, and rising stars. With its candlelit dining room, stellar acoustics, and classic American cuisine, SMOKE offers an experience that blends music, culture, and community.

Founded in 1999, SMOKE also operates Smoke Sessions Records, a GRAMMY-nominated label, along with the acclaimed streaming concert series Smoke Screens.

Tickets for the Kenny Barron performances are available now through the SMOKE Jazz Club website, inviting audiences to enjoy an atmosphere of world-class jazz, fine dining (https://smokejazz.com/food-menu/), and the vibrant jazz community that Harlem continues to nurture — drawing music lovers from across New York City and around the world.

Kenny Barron’s influence extends beyond performance into teaching and mentorship. His masterful approach to the instrument is often described through his emphasis on “piano touch and leaving space.” In one such reflection, Barron shares insights with pianists Elena Weng and Morgan Harrison on the subtle art of musical phrasing — the elements that can elevate a pianist from good to truly great.

Indeed, the return of Kenny Barron to SMOKE Jazz Club reflects a continuing celebration of jazz excellence in Harlem — a community where the music has always lived, breathed, and inspired.

Additional information about Kenny Barron can be found at:
https://kennybarron.com/biography/

Written by Danyal Sorel

A mosaic at the Corsi Senior Center on East 116th Street in East Harlem of Dr. Antonia Pantoja by the acclaimed artist Manny Vega. An early study for it is in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery. 

Antonia Pantoja Changed the Lives of Nuyoricans

Antonia Pantoja arrived in New York from Puerto Rico in 1944 when she was about 21 years old. After a brief time in the Bronx, she settled in downtown Manhattan, but the organizing work that would encompass her life soon brought her to East Harlem, the hub of New York’s Puerto Rican community. 

From the mid-1940s through the late 1950s, Pantoja worked and gathered at a number of  community organizations in East Harlem including the 110th Street Community Center, the Settlement House (104th Street between Third and Second Avenues) and the Good Neighbor building at 115 East 106th Street.

During this time she obtained a bachelor’s degree from Hunter and an MA in social work at Columbia. (She would later earn a doctorate from Union Graduate School, now Union Institute & University, in Ohio.) But crucially, she began to show the founding energy that would characterize her life. 

Pantoja was the founding president of the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs (originally the Hispanic Young Adult Association) in the early 1950s, founder of ASPIRA in the early 1960s, and an integral force in conceiving and creating Boricua College in the early 70s.

ASPIRA is one of her lasting successes, spreading across the country and to Puerto Rico. Pantoja saw the aimlessness of youth in East Harlem and conceived of ASPIRA as an organizing body where young people of Puerto Rican heritage could find community and develop pride in their culture and the region of their parents, while learning how to thrive in their schools, the neighborhood and society.

Photo of Antonia Pantoja from the archives at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies Library at Hunter College

She was one of the main forces behind Boricua College (originally called Universidad Boricua) which she envisioned in the tradition of other community-driven colleges like D.Q. University, Nairobi College, Aztlan, Malcolm X College, Oglala Sioux Community College and Sinte Gleska College Center. Pantoja infused it with her start-up energy before passing the mantle to Victor Alicea, the first and current president, in 1973.

Pantoja moved back to Puerto Rico for a time and continued to work as an organizer, but in 1999, she returned to live for good on 110th Street, the same street where she began her organizing career.

Pantoja lived with her life partner, a scholar and daughter of Harlem, Wilhelmina Perry, who with Pantoja, was an active organizer in New York and Puerto Rico, and a stalwart advocate of gay and lesbian rights. 

Pantoja died of cancer in 2002. Perry, an accomplished professor, has continued the work they began together. 

Antonia Pantoja recounted her remarkable life in the book, Memoir of a Visionary. A short video about Pantoja’s life and work is available here and her papers are housed at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies Library and Archives at Hunter College.

ER/KD

Free K–2 Education Reaches Harlem

Free K–2 education for children in Harlem is becoming a reality through an initiative led by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and supported by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Beginning in 2026, children attending school in Harlem will have access to this opportunity—an initiative carefully developed through the Governor’s cabinet and supported by the Mayor with data identifying the specific needs of families who require greater educational and childcare support.

The program is designed to help families overcome barriers such as the rising financial burdens associated with childcare and early education—costs that have increasingly impacted households across New York City. Addressing these challenges is vital to strengthening families and supporting the overall wellbeing of communities.

This initiative reflects diligent efforts at both the city and state levels to implement policies that directly benefit residents and enhance wellness throughout New York City, including Harlem, as well as across New York State.

The first districts selected to receive access to free K–2 education have now been announced. Among them is School District 6, which serves Harlem neighborhoods including Hamilton Heights and parts of Manhattanville. Additional districts selected for the program include School Districts 10, 18, 23, and 27, representing communities outside Harlem that will also receive early access to the initiative.

https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/03/mayor-mamdani-and-governor-hochul-announce-first-four-communitie

This expansion addresses serious challenges facing many parents and families who struggle to maintain stability while balancing work responsibilities and their children’s educational needs. The availability of free early education aims to provide meaningful support to thousands of students and families, offering renewed hope and optimism for households working to navigate today’s economic pressures.

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/new-data-highlights-importance-governor-hochuls-plan-deliver-universal-child-care-statewide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q1w4QtC6_E

Access to safe, affordable, and reliable childcare and early education has become one of the most pressing concerns for working families. Many parents face the difficult reality of choosing between maintaining employment and securing adequate childcare for their children. Expanding access to free education for young students seeks to relieve this burden and provide families with greater stability.

This initiative represents an important step toward improving quality of life for community members, particularly those in neighborhoods where families often face economic pressures and limited resources. By expanding access to education and childcare, the program aims to create stronger opportunities for success for both children and working parents.

Harlem now stands among the communities expected to experience the benefits of this initiative. Families throughout the neighborhood will gain access to vital resources that can strengthen household stability, improve safety and wellbeing, and support parents striving to provide better opportunities for their children.

The launch of free K–2 education is scheduled to begin in September 2026, marking what may become a historic step toward expanding educational access for families in Harlem and communities across New York State.

Written by: Danyal Sorel

Fifth Avenue Hall

Harlem’s Finntown

In the early 20th century, an area of East Harlem around Fifth Avenue and just north of 125th Street was known as Finntown. According to the blogs,  This is Finland  and Finland Abroad, immigrants from Finland clustered in this area opening clothing stores, a bathhouse, bakery, beauty parlour and gathering places. In 1917, the New York United Finnish Branch of the Socialist Party bought the building at 2056 Fifth Avenue and West 127th Street that now houses apartments. It was named Työväen Talo (Workers’ House), and known as Fifth Avenue Hall according to Finland Abroad. 

The Finnish War Veterans in America gathered at 18 East 125th Street. Finnish Hall was at 15 West 126th (now the Pilgrim Cathedral). The headquarters of the Loyal Finns was at 43 East 125th Street (the same address was home to Dapper Dan’s boutique in the 1980s). And a Finn newspaper, the New Yorkin Uutiset, while based in Brooklyn, had an office in Harlem.  

While it’s difficult to find much about Finntown, it was an early site of integration through the socialist leanings of the Finnish community. A funeral for the Black head of the Young Workers Party was held at the Finn Hall at 15 West 126  in 1931 and a newspaper listing from The Daily Worker on May 21, 1932, invites people to a Scottsboro Musical Program, of “Famous Negro and Finnish Artists,” for the price of 25¢, likely to support the nine Black teenagers who were being prosecuted for rape based on fabricated evidence in the infamous Scottsboro, Alabama, case.

Not much remains of Harlem’s Finntown nor has much been written about it as the other Finntown in New York City, located in Sunset Park, became the main destination for the Finnish community. However, a Finnish couple who met at a party in Harlem before settling in Brooklyn, Anja and Mauno Laurila, wrote a short book in 2011, Memories of Finnish Harlem: 1888–1955,  featuring interviews with former inhabitants of Finnish Harlem who remembered the welcoming community that was often the first stop for newly arrived Finns. (It’s hard to find a copy so if anyone has it, please let the HNBA writers know!)

KD/ER

Listing from The Daily Worker, May 21, 1932

Please join us Wednesday, March 11^th, 7:00pm at The Salvation Army, 2306 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, NYC.

Guest speakers will be:

Lt. Alvaro Velasquez, Assistant Corps Officer, The Salvation Army – sharing details about Pathway to Possibilities, a free 2-day educational seminar (April 18, 19) designed to explore career pathways and alternative opportunities, hosted by The Salvation Army.

Dr John Ducksworth, Executive Director, EastView Independent Senior Living (the apartment building located above The Salvation Army). He will do a presentation on this independent living facility with attractive personal services.

Jay and Teanna Sunberg, Mission New York, will share insights from Liberty and Belonging, a recent round‑table dialogue convened with Harlem residents to explore how immigration intersects with daily life, community well‑being, and broader questions of power and inequity. The presentation will highlight key themes that emerged from the conversation—including barriers faced by immigrant families, the impact of uneven systems, and the strengths already present within the neighborhood.

The invitation to the HNBA is to join in a forward‑looking discussion: What practical steps can we take together to address the challenges raised by community members? This session is designed to invite actionable ideas, strengthen collaboration, and identify opportunities for collective impact in Harlem.

We anticipate an engaging meeting and hope to see you there!

Sign up using the QR code for an interactive educational seminar designed to help young people explore their future options with clarity and confidence.

Lt. Álvaro Velásquez (He/Him)
Assistant Corps Officer | The Salvation Army │Manhattan Citadel
175 E 125th Street, New York, NY 10035

 Harlem undeniably holds profound historic significance — and that significance continues to grow in recognition and reverence.

On February 20, 2026, Friendship Baptist Church, located at 144 West 131st Street in New York City, unveiled a Historic District Marker honoring West 130th–132nd Streets. The moment marked a celebration of history, culture, and community — a tribute long deserving of acknowledgment.

As reported in The Amsterdam News, the blocks are representative of meaningful architectural development and historical transformation. In the early 1900s, the neighborhood transitioned from a majority white area into the hub of the largest urban Black community in the United States. From the 1920s through the 1960s, the district flourished as a center of cultural, religious, civic, and political organizations that shaped Harlem — and the nation.

“When LPC designated the Central Harlem — West 130th-132nd Streets Historic District in 2018, we recognized both the distinguished architecture and the critical role these buildings played in the cultural and political life of Harlem’s Black population in the 20th century,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Executive Director Lisa Kersavage.

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), alongside State Senator Cordell Cleare, Assemblymember Jordan Wright, Councilmember Yusef Salaam, Manhattan Community Board 10, the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation, and Save Harlem Now!, joined together to unveil the markers commemorating the district’s remarkable history and distinct sense of place. In designating the district in 2018, LPC highlighted its significant contributions not only to New York City, but to the social and political history of the nation as a whole.

To speak of Harlem without acknowledging its historical weight would be incomplete. Harlem’s impact reaches far beyond its avenues and brownstones — influencing the course of American cultural, political, and civic life. Its legacy resonates nationally and globally.

A Historic District Marker is more than a sign or plaque. Installed by local authorities and preservation foundations, including the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation, these markers designate officially recognized neighborhoods and provide visible historical context. Typically measuring approximately 19 by 36 inches, they highlight architectural distinction, encourage civic pride, emphasize cultural and social significance, and educate the public about the layered history cultivated within these streets.

The inspiring stories of Harlem, the enduring work of its community, and the homage to the Harlem Renaissance reflect a legacy of resilience, brilliance, and leadership. The unveiling at Friendship Baptist Church stands as both recognition and reminder — that Harlem has long been on the map, and its influence continues to expand.

Further publications regarding the unveiling can be found at:

• Amsterdam News

• NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission

• New York YIMBY

• PIX11 News

• Harlem World Magazine

· https://newyorkyimby.com/2026/02/lpc-announces-new-historical-district-in-central-harlem-manhattan.html

· https://pix11.com/news/local-news/central-harlem-unveils-historic-district-markers-honoring-its-rich-legacy/

· https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com/harlem-unveils-historic-markers/

· https://www.nyc.gov/site/lpc/about/pr2026/lpc-unveils-new-historic-district-markers-commemorating-central-harlem.page

Written by: Danyal Sorel

Ralph Ellison Adopted Harlem as His Home

Invisible Man Statue at 150th Street and Riverside Drive, Created by Elizabeth Catlett, 2003, Picture taken from NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Website

One of the key figures of 20th century Literary Harlem was Ralph Waldo Ellison, author of The Invisible Man, and his footprint is all over Harlem.

Ellison was born in Oklahoma City in 1914, but after attending Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, in 1936, he moved to New York and began working with the Federal Writers' Project, part of the New Deal-era Works Progress Administration.

The first place he stayed was at the YMCA on 135th Street. A few years afterwards, he moved to 312 West 122nd Street, the home of his first wife, Rose Araminta Poindexter. Later they moved to 453 West 140th Street, before divorcing in 1945. He ended up living at 730 Riverside Drive, also known as the Beaumont, with his second wife, Fanny McConnell, the founder of the Negro People’s Theater in Chicago.

This last residence is the reason why his memorial sculpture is located at 150th Street in Riverside Park. Dedicated in 2003, it consists of a bronze monolith from which the famed artist Elizabeth Catlett, cut the silhouette of a striding man, a reference to Ellison’s famous novel.

An inscription on the monument quotes Ellison’s reflections about what coming to Harlem meant to him:

“The very idea of being in New York was dreamlike, for like many young negroes of the time, I thought of it as the freest of American cities, and considered Harlem as the site and symbol of Afro-American progress and hope. Indeed, I was both young and bookish enough to think of Manhattan as my substitute for Paris, and of Harlem as a place of Left Bank excitement. So now that I was there in its glamorous scene, I meant to make the most of its opportunities.”

He got to know Langston Hughes, Romare Bearden, Richard Wright and Gordon Parks (with whom he collaborated on a photographic essay called, ‘Harlem is Nowhere’, about the first racially integrated psychiatric hospital , called The Lafargue Clinic).

Ellison won the National Book Award in 1953. In 1969, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom; the following year, he was made a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France. In 1975, Ellison was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and his hometown of Oklahoma City honored him with the dedication of the Ralph Waldo Ellison Library.

Ellison died on April 16, 1994, of pancreatic cancer and was interred in a crypt at Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum in Hamilton Heights.

ER/BR