Category Archives: history

Mount Morris Park neighborhood of Harlem Annual House Tour is this weekend

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Jun 10, 2011 @ 14:38
By HarlemGal
Don’t forget the annual Mount Morris Park Annual House Tour is this weekend hosted by Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association. It is this Sunday, June 12th!

This is the time when one can see some of the most beautiful brownstones in New York City that make up Central Harlem, also known as the Mt. Morris Park area. Also the area was recently praised by New York Magazine.

Here is the schedule for the day for those interested in attending:

  • 11 AM to 4 PM: Follow the Self-Guided Tour of Homes 
  • 1 PM and 3 PM: Join the Architectural Walking Tour
  • 12 Noon and 2 PM: Go Inside Historic Harlem
  • 1:30 PM: Join the Marcus Garvey Park Walking Tour

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Posted in art and culture, Community, education, Events, Free!, Harlem, history, New York City, NYC, real estate

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First East Harlem International Film Festival starts June 1

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

May 27, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
There are several international film festivals that take place throughout New York City. However, how many actually take place uptown in Harlem? Not that many that I am aware of. Now Harlemites do not have to look or go far to see films from all over the world. We have an opportunity to see intelligent films for one week right in our own barrio-thanks to the East Harlem International Film Festival (EHIFF)!

The East Harlem International Film Festival will feature more than 40 films from June 1-5 in Spanish Harlem. The films that have been selected for this year’s festival come from as far away as China, India, Russia, Brazil and more! In addition, EHIFF will pay tribute to the late great Tito Puente, feature educational panels on the business of casting films, film distribution, and the process of filmmaking.

Based on their program, it appears they are offering an insightful agenda as well as recognizing the community. This is the first year for the East Harlem International Film Festival. So let’s get out there and support them! Click here to purchase tickets!

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Posted in art and culture, Community, education, entertainment, Events, film, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC

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Help kickstart the ‘Changing Face of Harlem’

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

May 23, 2011 @ 7:30

By HarlemGal
A few years ago a good friend of mine, who is a documentary filmmaker in New York City, wanted me to meet fellow filmmaker Shawn Batey. My good friend knew I was interested in all things positive about Harlem so she said to me “come see a film rough cut about Harlem. There is this filmmaker I want you to meet, who is literally documenting the changes of Harlem. I think you should come.” And so I did. I’m excited to tell you about this documentary about Harlem!

Trailer- Changing Face of Harlem

The rough cut I saw was titled the Changing Face of Harlem. It’s been in the works for more than ten years. The Changing Face of Harlem is a film told from the voices of longtime residents, business owners, politicians, developers, and clergy about the dreams and struggles of a neighborhood. This film explains Harlem’s intricate history and how Harlem is undergoing a huge rebirth and revival just like many other urban communities of color. Changing Face of Harlem takes a critical look at how Harlem has undergone its present transformation.

When a filmmaker sets out to create a documentary especially about Harlem, it takes a lot of hard work-to say the least. That hard work leads to hundreds of hours of footage that needs to be edited. Shawn, the women behind the Changing Face of Harlem, is ready to go into the editing booth to complete her documentary on Harlem. You and I can help her get into the editing booth soon to complete her film. How? By going to Kickstarter.com. Go to Kickstarter to make a donation at various levels. It can be $15 or $1500. Shawn’s goal is to raise $5k this summer so that she can hire an editor.

I made a donation to help Shawn get into the editing booth. I hope you will join me in helping to kickstart and complete the documentary titled the Changing Face of Harlem.

To learn more about the film, go to www.changingfaceofharlem.com

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Posted in art and culture, business, Community, education, entertainment, Events, film, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate

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Harlem featured in UK’s Financial Times

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

May 2, 2011 @ 7:40
By HarlemGal
I always say “one can’t swing a bat lately without hitting the word “Harlem.” The Financial Times, the UK-based business paper, has now featured Harlem in their April 30 House and Home edition. Not too long the FT featured Red Rooster as well. This article quickly goes over Harlem’s rich history, mentions how crime is basically much better throughout New York City especially Harlem in the last ten years,and Harlem’s upswing in major change began back in 2004/2005. The article goes on to interview two homebuyers, one who bought a brownstone for under $1 million and the other who purchased a penthouse apartment on Frederick Douglass Blvd. Both homeowners talked about how much space one could receive in a home in Harlem and within budget. However, one homeowner stressed why they came to Harlem: “I like the sense of diversity I’ve found here.”

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Listen to ‘The Changing World: One Block in Harlem’

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Apr 29, 2011 @ 11:30
By HarlemGal
WNYC presents The Changing World: One Block in Harlem. This program “traces this iconic neighborhood’s story by telling the history of a single street in Harlem – 120th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues – from 1910 to the present.” The Changing World: One Block in Harlem “describes life as it was and life as it is today and asks what price has been paid by long-time black residents for the area’s gentrification.” Listen to this program Friday, April 29 at 11 PM on AM 820, Sunday, May 1 at 6 AM 93.9 FM and then on Sunday again at 9 PM on AM 820.


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Harlem born Denton John to protect the Queen of England during Royal Wedding

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Apr 28, 2011 @ 23:48

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By HarlemGal
The U.K.’s Daily Mail reported April 28 that Denton John from Harlem, New York, will be on horseback during the Royal Wedding and his sole purpose is to protect the Queen of England during her grandson’s wedding. According to the article, Denton John went to school at Wadleigh High School on West 114th Street. After high school, he signed up for the British Army.
So if you’re waking up early Friday to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton marry April 29, look for Denton John. He’s from Harlem, New York!

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Posted in art and culture, Community, education, entertainment, Events, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC

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Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park and Hamilton Heights make New York Mag’s Next Big Neighborhood List

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Apr 5, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
It is that time of year where New York Magazine profiles some of the upcoming neighborhoods for 2011. In this week’s edition (April 3), they list 20 of The Next Big Neighborhoods in New York City and two Harlem sections made the list!

A big congrats to Marcus Garvey Park.  This area located in Central Harlem was ranked fourth out of 20. NYMag says Marcus Garvey Park “is undergoing a several million dollar renovation, including smoothed-out sidewalks and the transformation of its existing bandshell into a state-of-the-art amphitheater.” In addition to park renovations, several buildings have sprung up, such as 5th on the Park, located at Fifth Avenue and 120th Street; and “the recently constructed Windows on 123, a pair of buildings graced with limestone-balconied apartments and full-floor lofts.”

Hamilton Heights located in West Harlem, finishes out the list placing 20th on the list.

Another notable mention, is Manhattan Valley, which is right below Harlem on the Westside. They were ranked second out of 20.

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Posted in art and culture, Community, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, review

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See The Faces Behind Madame Alexander Dolls in Spanish Harlem

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Apr 4, 2011 @ 7:00
By HarlemGal
This week the 12th Annual Havana Film Festival New York kicks off in the City and runs from April 7-15. This year they have carved out a new prize called the Havana Prize for Best Documentary. Seven films are in competition and one of the seven is The Faces Behind Madame Alexander Dolls, a documentary that pays tribute to the Dominican and Latin American workers who have worked in the famous doll factory, located in Harlem at 615 West 131st Street, dedicating their lives to creating beautiful dolls that have delighted children and adults around the world since the early 1920s. These dolls have been collected by queens, business women, actresses, and world leaders.

The Faces Behind Madame Alexander Dolls is screening this Wednesday, April 6 at El Museo del Barrio in Spanish Harlem. The event is FREE, starts at 6:30 PM and includes a post-show Q&A with director Freddy Vargas and cast members.

Details:
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
El Teatro, El Museo del Barrio
1230 Fifth Avenue (At East 104th Street)
Admission: Free

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Posted in art and culture, Community, entertainment, Events, film, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, shopping

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What should President Barack Obama order at Red Rooster Harlem?

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 2 comments

Mar 29, 2011 @ 7:00
By HarlemGal
The barricades are up on Lenox Avenue and 125th Street, the $30k checks are in, and the articles have been written about how POTUS Barack Obama will be in Harlem this evening (March 29) at Red Rooster. I feel like I have all the information that’s out there about this visit with the exception of one thing! No one has covered the menu for this swanky fundraiser-that I am aware of. I wonder if there is a special menu for 30 grand. Let’s pretend there is not a special menu and that President Obama is using the everyday dinner menu for this expensive occasion. Under this scenario, shall we ask the question? What should President Obama order at Red Rooster?

First off, I think he should hang out at the bar for a while and throw back a few drinks, such as the Brownstoner or Rooster Punch. POTUS Obama needs to drink a lot so that he can move the Secret Service out-of-the-way in order to stand close to the window so some of us can see him from afar. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Then after a few cocktails, Obama should sit down with guests that should be asked to fork over another $30k for actually getting to eat at Red Rooster before most Harlemites get to and then discuss reelection strategy over cornbread, Pulled Pork; and Dirty Rice and Shrimp. Those food items seem appropriate for the conversation and asking for the additional funds…don’t ya think?

For the main course, I believe Obama should either have the Braised Oxtail or the Uptown Steak Frites. For $30,000 dollars a head, OBAMA PLEASE DON’T EAT CHICKEN or FRIED YARD BIRD. That is a no, no given the price guests are paying to dine with an awesome POTUS. Plus the Food Network police will never forgive you or Marcus if you eat chicken at such an expensive event!

As for desert, it is a toss up on what Obama should order. I like both the Sweet Potato Doughnuts or Spiced Bread Pudding. I have had them both and they are delicious!

After his fabulous meal at Red Rooster Harlem, I hope President Obama walks a long rope line near the popular restaurant and shakes plenty of Harlem hands. My guess is there will be a ton of people waiting and watching for him to arrive and depart. Given who President Obama is and what Harlem stands for, in my opinion it would be a perfect way to end the evening to what I am assuming will be a perfect meal.

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Posted in art and culture, Bars, business, Community, entertainment, Events, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, politics, restaurants

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Harlem Children’s Zone launches twitter site on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Mar 24, 2011 @ 23:26
By HarlemGal
Did any of you watch Late Night with Jimmy Fallon this past Tuesday night? Fallon interviewed Geoffrey Canada, Harlem Children’s Zone CEO, on the obvious and most important topic, education! Fallon praised Canada for his dedication to helping children in Harlem receive an education and told him “he is so cool.” After discussing the importance of education, not only in Harlem but across the US, Canada announced that he was joining the masses and starting a twitter site. It’s called @hczorg. In just two days, the Harlem Children’s Zone has more than 2500 followers. Not bad and definitely cool!

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