In full disclosure, I am so happy to report that one of the organizations I have supported for many years will be honoring one of Harlem’s own and an anti hunger advocate at its Spring Into Action Annual Benefit, May 17th at the Solo Event Space. The New York City Coalition Against Hunger, led by Executive Director Joel Berg, will be honoring celebrity chef and Red Rooster Harlem owner, Marcus Samuelsson, for his commitment to help end hunger. Samuelsson, along with State Senator Liz Krueger, Kathy Goldman and Agnes Molnar of Community Food Advocates, and Rachel V. Stevens Esq. with the law firm DLA Piper, will also be recognized during NYC Coalition Against Hunger’s Spring Benefit.
I plan on attending NYCCAH’s Annual Benefit where Samuelsson will receive his award. I hope that you will join me in supporting this dedicated organization that “represents and is the voice for the more than 1,100 nonprofit soup kitchens and food pantries in New York City and the 1.5 million low-income New Yorker’s who live in households that can’t afford enough food.” If you would like to attend the Spring Into Action Annual Benefit on May 17 from 5-8 PM, you can purchase tickets here. To learn more about NYCCAH and their mission, click here.
And congrats to our Harlem neighbor, Marcus Samuelsson on receiving this special accolade! Let’s raise our glass!
HarlemGal Inc. 
How is Marcus Samuelsson one of Harlem’s own??
Hmmm, let’s see where do I begin. I choose to use that term because Marcus lives in Harlem; he owns a business in Harlem; he owns a home in harlem; he has helped to raise the profile of Harlem with his culinary expertise, his business, and has shared his high profile with other businesses to help them succeed; he publicly professes his love for Harlem, which is his home. The only thing that is missing is he’s not born in Harlem, which is the case for most of us New Yorkers. In my view, Marcus Samuelsson is one of Harlem’s own!
Well I disagree with you. The Village of Harlem was one of the most visited placed in not only New York City but the United States before he ever came to Harlem therefore, Harlem did not need Marcus Samuelsson to raise the profile of Harlem. It also appears that people outside of Harlem are more taken to his culinary expertise. Owning a business in Harlem and having a place to live in Harlem does not qualify anyone to say they are one of Harlem’s own. Now, respecting the culture, identifying ones establishment by indicating what the Community has named an avenue like “Malcolm X Blvd” in your official address and being born and raised in Harlem might.