Harlem Homecoming : Harlem Heroes — A Celebration of Courage, Community, and Legacy

Harlem, New York — A powerful new chapter in Harlem’s story is about to take its place on the walls of the community at noon on October 15^th 2026.

We are proud to announce the unveiling of Harlem Heroes, a new community mural celebrating the courage, leadership, service, and perseverance of the people who have worked to make Harlem a stronger and safer place for generations to come.

The mural brings together the stories of Helene Nomsa Brath aka Nomsa , Ruby Kitchen Brady aka Mrs.Kitchen, and a Harlem-born New York City police detective. Paul Eldin Duncan  whose life of service was tragically cut short by a drunk driver. Together, their stories remind us that heroes are not always found in history books. Sometimes, they are our neighbors, parents, advocates, public servants, and friends—people who see a problem and refuse to look away.

At the heart of the mural is Nomsa , a community activist whose scientific background helped her recognize the dangers posed by asbestos in New York City public schools. Her advocacy became part of a larger fight to protect Harlem children and demand that unsafe school buildings be addressed. Historical accounts describe Helene Nomsa Brath as a whistleblower and pioneer in the campaign for asbestos removal in New York City schools, with her efforts contributing to the closing of unsafe schools that created an asbestos abatement movement in Harlem in the late 1970’s and swept throughout the country .

Helene did not stand alone. She was supported by fellow women activists and allies who helped bring attention to the issue and by prominent political figures, including Senator Clairborne Pell and Congressman Jacob Javits, who aided the effort to have Harlem schools closed so that the asbestos problems could be confronted. Her story is one of determination—the story of a woman who used her knowledge, her voice, and her community connections to insist that the health and safety of children mattered.

The mural also honors Ruby Kitchen. Mrs. Kitchen is remembered as a leader in the King Towers community and a dedicated community activist. A towering figure, Mrs.Kitchen worked with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to advocate for resources and improvements for Harlem residents, demonstrating the power of residents to organize, speak up, and help shape the future of their own neighborhood. The long tradition of resident leadership at King Towers is well documented, including advocacy that has helped secure resources and improvements for the development and also bring structure to community basketball tournaments.

King Towers itself carries a remarkable history of community involvement. Today, the development continues to be recognized as a place where residents, artists, and community organizations come together to celebrate culture, creativity, and neighborhood history.

The third story celebrated by Harlem Heroes belongs to a young man who grew up in the projects and went on to serve his community as a New York City Police Department detective. He also attended this same public school that will display his name and badge number. His journey from the neighborhood to a position of responsibility and service represents a powerful example of achievement and dedication. His life was tragically cut short when he was killed by a drunk driver traveling the wrong way, leaving behind a legacy that continues through the memories of those who knew him and the community he served.

Bringing these stories together is artist Evan Bishop, whose mural gives a visual voice to these Harlem legacies. The project is financed by SCAN-Harbor, continuing the organization's connection to community programming, culture, and opportunities for residents at King Towers. SCAN-Harbor is among the organizations involved in ongoing arts and community initiatives at King Towers.

Harlem Heroes is more than a mural. It is a celebration of people who stood up, spoke out, served others, and helped shape their community.

We invite residents, families, friends, community leaders, and all those who believe in honoring Harlem's history to join us for this special Unveiling of Harlem Heroes.

Come celebrate the heroes of yesterday, honor the heroes among us today, and inspire the heroes of tomorrow.

Harlem remembers. Harlem celebrates. Harlem honors its heroes.

 “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.

by Segun Brathwaite