harlemworld news

The raw foundation of jazz helped ignite the stage for the “Harlem in Our Eyes” commemoration of Congressman Charles B. Rangel’s achievement in the Harlem community. The event was held in the Pergolis Urban Gallery of the Steven L. Newman Hall on Feb. 23. Highly successful individuals of many races intermingled over a few glasses of wine and hor d’uerves while four musicians filled the room with upbeat melodies.

A hand full of East Harlem kids were given a special assignment on Feb. 23—to design the water park of their dreams. Armed with art supplies and their imagination, the kids broke up into teams and created three-dimensional models of what the new Randall's Island water park should look like.

Peaceful, so peaceful, the lawn of the San Jose State University campus, sun shining, sky blue. So peaceful the gathering, people with gray hair and gray beards and memories of times that in contrast to this afternoon in the spring of 2005 were vicious and angry.

Geoffrey Canada stresses the importance of reforming a troubled community to steer poor children away from drugs and into a learning environment. For nearly all of his career in urban reform, Geoffrey Canada tried not to lose. He tried not to lose more children to drugs, prisons and illiteracy. The Harlem Children's Zone, the project that vaulted him into the national spotlight, is about trying to win. And to Canada, that means turning a deeply troubled community into something resembling normalcy.

Along 125th Street, between stands selling bootlegged DVDs and pungent oils of questionable origin, sit tables piled high with books of all genres, including Harlem’s answer to the Harlequin romance.

Never before in the history of the United States has there been such an explosion of creative works by African-American writers than in the period of American literature known as the Harlem Renaissance (1917-1930). In the span of a mere decade, black poets, novelists and writers of all kinds would claim their place in the annals of American literature.

"Youre a Very Special Lady," by the legendary O'Jays filtered through the speakers of the Apollo Theatre on the Monday before Valentines Day, warming up the historic house on the day after what was one of the worst snowstorms in New York City history. Although the amorous song served as a promo for the much-anticipated special OJays February 14th love concert, it also served to acknowledge and pay tribute to the legendary theatre that was vaunting her fresh, recently restored facade and luxurious new seats.

Shallowness and commercialism circle the Sundance Film Festival like Phobos and Deimos, the twin moons of Mars, and stalk its streets looking for swag like the cast of "Entourage." Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee (in 1991 photo) shared a life of activism and acting for more than 56 years.

The 1960's black leader was shot and killed on Feb. 21, 1965. On this date in 1965, Malcolm X, considered one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century, was shot and killed at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, on Broadway and 165th Street, while preparing to speak. He was 39 years young.

A new five-story building stands in Harlem on Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Avenue), built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The lights announce Harlem's world-famous Sylvia's Restaurant, but few know that back in 1997, the owners allowed Latter-day Saints to rent it for Sunday services. Brent Belnap, NY, NY Stake Pres.: "Maybe a handful of members and more missionaries than there were members. We actually had to leave early before the lunchtime crowd came, to get out of the way." As new members joined, they moved a few blocks to a former Jehovah's Witnesses building, which is still heavily padlocked. Harry Bonner, a member of this congregation, showed us a single room was both chapel and multiple classrooms. Latter-day Saints call it the most diverse congregation in the faith -- African Americans, immigrants from around the world, and graduate students from around the country. Church leaders decided they were ready for a five-story, red brick facility on Malcolm X Blvd. Harry Bonner, Chairman, New Harlem Chapel Open House: "We're so excited to be able to have some breathing space and not only just plain additional space but state-of-the-art breathing space." Once the building was finished, the community got to see it. An open house ended with a music festival, choirs from a number of faiths in the area performed for their new neighbors. Tours were given by LDS Church public affairs missionaries Olene and Myron Walker. The basketball court will be a hit with the neighborhood kids. The chapel will seat hundreds comfortably, and the classrooms have large windows, overlooking a bustling, historic part of the city at 128th Street. Art McFarland, WABC-TV Anchor, Festival Host: "It's a blessing for the community itself, which has such a rich history of its own and now has a wonderful new addition." Then a very, distinct moment -- music from the world-renowned Boys Choir of Harlem. Harry Bonner: "It's like Christ saying, ‘whoever you are, from wherever, just come to me,’ right here in Harlem.” The welcome was warm, the evening memorable. Latter-day Saints called it a very good beginning in their new building. The new Harlem building also has a Spanish-speaking congregation. Sponsored by www.harlemworldmagazine.com and the Daily News.