Sign The Petition!

Reject Timbale Terrace and HPD’s plan to move even more people with severe mental illness and addiction into our community.

Just look at 125th Street. Does Harlem need New York City to bring more people with severe issues into our community? We asked for supportive housing for our seniors during the East Harlem visioning process. HPD has done a bait-and-switch, rejecting the community’s strong voice to allocate space in Timbale Terrace for our seniors.

https://www.change.org/p/reject-timbale-terrace-east-harlem-residents-need-housing-for-our-seniors

Sign the petition to help East Harlem residents urge New York City government to stop placing excessive social services in East Harlem. We are victims of NIMBYs and our neighborhood should not be used as NYC’s containment zone.

The latest project is Timbale Terrace, which will build 230 units of affordable housing. To finance the affordable housing, Timbale Terrace will also bring 99 supportive housing for single adults diagnosed with serious mental health and/or addiction issues from outside of Harlem via the 1515 program.  Join lawmakers such as Robert Rodriguez and Inez Dickens to urge the government to find alternative ways to fund affordable housing as to add more to East Harlem only perpetuates structural racism.

OUR CONCERNS WITH TIMBALE TERRACE ARE 3 FOLDS

  1. Ignored demands from East Harlem residents, who were extensively surveyed and their desire for supportive housing are for Harlem seniors, homeless households, local artists and those living with HIV. Note also that only 30% of the 330 housing units will be reserved for local residents. (read more–>)
  2. Ignored demands from Community Board 11, which issued a resolution to request the government to stop adding more social services to address addiction in East Harlem. (read more–>)
  3. Failed to hold Lantern Organization accountable. This organization that already operates two supportive housings next to this location has not been able to provide good quality housing service and social services to their tenants. Why would NYC government want to award them with an even bigger contract? (see all the complaints here–>)

WHY EAST HARLEM DOES NOT NEED ANOTHER ONE?   

The 99 units of supportive housing will not be for East Harlem residents as there are no local preference. Here is the description of the population from the government’s website: “Chronically homeless single adults with a serious mental illness (SMI), a substance use disorder (SUD) (including those who are actively using or have started their recovery process within the last 12 months), or those who may have a co-occurring SMI and SUD.”

  1. Within 5 blocks from this site are 10+ adult-only supportive housing and adult only shelters
  2. Within 10 blocks from this site are 4 out of 32 needle exchanges in NYC
  3. Zip code 10035 has 0.2% of New York State’s population, but has 5.6% of all New York State’s capacities for SRO (Single Residential Occupancy Units) managed by Department of Mental Health and has 11% of New York City’s drug treatment program capacities

If You’ve Ever Wondered Why…?

If you’ve ever wondered why there seems to be more… crazy on the streets of Harlem compared with other neighborhoods, the answer is simple: They built it to be this way:

Please sign the Timbale Terrace petition here:

https://www.change.org/p/reject-timbale-terrace-east-harlem-residents-need-housing-for-our-seniors?utm_medium=custom_url&utm_source=share_petition&recruited_by_id=463c9050-4d0a-11ee-b0f9-8548136bf175

to demand more supportive housing for seniors.

And, please sign up and attend the CB11 Land Use meeting TONIGHT, to tell the Land Use Committee why sending more people with severe mental illness and addiction issues from other New York neighborhoods to Harlem is simply too much.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JlTJAdTsRRGs4YVXvh7NFw

Concert in The Harlem Rose Garden

Please join the Harlem Rose Garden in a very special event on Saturday in our garden:

Saturday, September 16, 2pm-3:30pm

Harlem Rose Garden

6 E. 129th St

NY NY 10035

Kathryn FarmerAcclaimed Jazz and R&B vocalist Kathryn Farmer is a musician’s musician with a 4 1/2 octave range and an electrifying stage presence. Also a pianist, organist, arranger and bandleader,  her gifted vocals have captivated audiences in over 16 countries headlining in venues from Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei to Budapest, Berlin, Casablanca, and Moscow.  In addition to performing with many musical greats–among them Tito Puente, David “Fathead” Newman, Walter Bishop, Jr, Lester Bowie, and James Carter–she has been tapped for legacy roles such as Brooks Benton’s duet partner (in Dinah Washington’s former role) and the Doug Carn Black Jazz Legacy Band. Recent years have found her in 5-star hotel performances in Tokyo, Hanoi, and Seoul, as well as in NYC venues such as Swing 46. 

Presented by the Jazz Foundation of America, supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the Howard Gilman Foundation.

Rain Date: September 30

Free Concert in the Harlem Rose Garden

Harlem Rose Garden Opening of the Season Concert

Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 3PM

Please join us at the Harlem Rose Garden for a very special performance by the members of the Harlem Chamber Players.  

Violinists Ashley Horne and Claire Chan, violist William Frampton, and cellist Wayne Smith will perform selections from Haydn’s String Quartet No. 1 in G Major, Tania León’s Esencia, Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 12, Op. 127, and Frederick Tillis’s Spiritual Fantasy No. 12.

Founded in 2008, The Harlem Chamber Players is dedicated to bringing accessible and affordable live classical music to Harlem and beyond while promoting diversity in classical music, providing opportunities for professional musicians of color, and featuring works by composers of color and women composers.  We are thrilled to invite the ensemble for the first time to our garden and look forward to seeing you there!

* rain date Sunday, June 11th

They’re Back!

Councilmember Jordan Is A No-Show, Again

May Membership Meeting: City Council District 9 Candidates Forum

The New York Primary Election is June 27 and one of the most hotly contested seats this year is in Harlem. The District 9 race for New York City Council is heating up, and for our May Membership Meeting, we are hosting a forum to hear from three of the candidates in this race (Inez Dickens, Yusef Salaam, and Al Taylor) on what they plan to do for Harlem and for environmental justice. Join us at Twenty-first Century Academy for Community Leadership at 501 West 152nd Street on Saturday, May 13 from 10 am – 1 pm. 
RSVP

Harlem Ephemera

Ebay had a rare item of Harlem ephemera up for auction – a noisemaker from the original Cotton Club.

Note the reference to Cab Callaway on the back.

Today’s view of Lenox and 142nd Street:

Musica De Camara Concert

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Musica de Camara
1215 5th Ave, Suite 1B
New York NY 10029
email: [email protected]
website: www.MusicadeCamara25.com

The Chronicles of Christmas Concert

On Thursday, December 15th, all are welcome to visit the Salvation Army building (125th Street, just west of 3rd Ave.) at 6 PM for a joyous and hopeful concert.

The Chronicles of Christmas Concert will feature neighborhood children and teens who are in the fantastic Salvation Army musical program.

All are welcome to attend and join in the holiday spirit.

Art In Marcus Garvey Park

Make sure to check out the sculpture by Reuben Sinha in Marcus Garvey Park (in the grassy lawn near the drummers’ circle).

Wheelie Life

If you’ve ever seen a wave of young people doing wheelies down a Harlem street on bicycles, this documentary explores the culture, the comradery, and the thrills inherent in this urban subculture.

Featuring a number of shots and interviews under the Harlem Viaduct (125th Street and the Harlem River), the documentary follows the athleticism and passion of the young men and women who find freedom on one wheel.

Philadelphia Artist Walks From Harlem to Canada

The Philadelphia Inquirer has an article on Ken Johnston, the Philadelphia “walking artist” who set out from Harlem, N.Y., in July, walked across the Rainbow Bridge into Niagara Falls, Ontario to honor and follow the route of American hero, Harriet Tubman.

Johnston reached St. Catharines, Ontario, the city where Harriet Tubman, perhaps America’s most famous Underground Railroad leader, lived between 1851 and 1861, before the start of the Civil War in early September

Johnston, 61, of Cobbs Creek in Philadelphia, ended his approximately 450-mile walk at Salem Chapel British Methodist Episcopal Church, where Tubman once worshiped.

Johnston said he was both excited to have arrived in Tubman’s former (Canadian) city — and exhausted.

Read the full article, here:

https://www.inquirer.com/news/ken-johnston-walk-freedom-harriet-tubman-new-york-canada-200-birthday-20220910.html

Free Concert in Harlem Rose Garden, Saturday

Heart to Heart Tonight

HEART TO HEART CONCERT – The Sounds of Gospel!
Time: The concert begins at 6:00pm EST 
Location: Peter Norton Symphony Space
Address: 2537 Broadway, NY, NY
(Located on the southwest corner of 95th St and Broadway) 
 
We’re back and ready to “Raise the Praise!” 
Labor of Love Association hosts Heart to Heart Concert – New York’s Premiere Event for Authentic Traditional/Contemporary Gospel Music!
 
What A Thrilling Line-Up! Our Featured Performers for the 2022 Concert
The Labor of Love Ensemble, Reverend Vandell Atkins, Brother Jospeh Ellis, Brother Alson Farley, Jr, Elder George Heyward, The Richard Curtis Singers, and Brother Henry Mitchell

This year Heart to Heart presents, “The Sounds of Gospel!” Join us as we celebrate the origins of Gospel, one of the most prolific genres of American music!
Don’t miss this evening that will take you on a journey through the phases of Gospel from the early days of “call and response” to the energizing sounds of contemporary Gospel music!
 
 Tickets are available now.

The Labor of Love Ensemble
Visit our website

Could the Q Reach Broadway?

Patch had an interesting article about thinking at the MTA about extending the Q train up from 96th Street, along 2nd Avenue to Lex/125, and then continuing westward to connect with the 2/3, the A/B/C/D, and maybe even the 1.

For anyone who’d like east/west access, this would be a dream.

On the other hand, this is just a conversation, and the dates floated would be dependent on Phase 2 (getting the Q to Lex/125) and then, well, money.

We can only hope!

Congolese Music Concert, Today

Heart to Heart – Gospel Concert on Saturday

Heart to Heart Concert is LIVE again from Symphony Space!
HEART TO HEART CONCERT – The Sounds of Gospel!
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022
Time: The concert begins at 6:00pm EST 
Location: Peter Norton Symphony Space
Address: 2537 Broadway, NY, NY
(Located on the southwest corner of 95th St and Broadway) 
 
We’re back and ready to “Raise the Praise!” 
Labor of Love Association hosts Heart to Heart Concert – New York’s Premiere Event for Authentic Traditional/Contemporary Gospel Music!
 
What A Thrilling Line-Up! Our Featured Performers for the 2022 Concert
The Labor of Love Ensemble, Reverend Vandell Atkins, Brother Jospeh Ellis, Brother Alson Farley, Jr, Elder George Heyward, The Richard Curtis Singers, and Brother Henry Mitchell

This year Heart to Heart presents, “The Sounds of Gospel!” Join us as we celebrate the origins of Gospel, one of the most prolific genres of American music!
Don’t miss this evening that will take you on a journey through the phases of Gospel from the early days of “call and response” to the energizing sounds of contemporary Gospel music!
 
Plan now to be with us on Saturday, September 17 for an evening of high-energy gospel music and a fascinating trip down musical memory lane! You don’t want to miss this year’s concert experience. Tickets are available now.

We can’t wait to see you in person in September!
The Labor of Love Ensemble
Visit our website

Federal Housing Policy Discussion with IssueVoter

Join IssueVoter, a non-partisan non-profit, and William Smith, District Leader of the New York County Democratic Committee representing the 68th District, for a federal housing policy briefing.

Meet us on Zoom on Thursday, September 22 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time as we discuss federal housing legislation and how to make your voices heard in Congress.

IssueVoter is a nonpartisan, nonprofit online platform dedicated to giving everyone a voice in our democracy. Our free public service makes civic engagement accessible, efficient, and impactful.
IssueVoter informs you of legislation affecting issues you care about, sends your opinions to lawmakers, and helps you see how often you were truly represented.

Concerts in Marcus Garvey Park

Head to the bandshell for two free evenings of music in Marcus Garvey Park:

  • Friday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m.: CPJF – Jazzmeia Horn and Her Noble Force / Calvin Booker On Tap & Friends in association with Jazzmobile
  • Saturday, Aug. 27, 3 p.m.: CPJF – Terence Blanchard featuring the E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet / Buster Williams & Something More / NIKARA presents Black Wall Street / Vuyo Sotashe

Spotted Lanternfly Found in Harlem Backyard

An email yesterday alerted Harlem residents that the Spotted Lanternfly has been seen (and squished) in a Harlem backyard. This invasive pest should be killed on sight.

See this from the USDA to learn more:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/the-threat/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly

Heart to Heart is Back

Mark Your Calendar!!
Heart to Heart Concert is LIVE again from Symphony Space!
HEART TO HEART CONCERT – The Sounds of Gospel!
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022
Time: The concert begins at 6:00pm EST 
Location: Peter Norton Symphony Space
Address: 2537 Broadway, NY, NY
(Located on the southwest corner of 95th St and Broadway) 
 
We’re back and ready to “Raise the Praise!” 
Labor of Love Association hosts Heart to Heart Concert – New York’s Premiere Event for Authentic Traditional/Contemporary Gospel Music!
 
What A Thrilling Line-Up! Our Featured Performers for the 2022 Concert
The Labor of Love Ensemble, Reverend Vandell Atkins, Brother Jospeh Ellis, Brother Alson Farley, Jr, Elder George Heyward, The Richard Curtis Singers, and Brother Henry Mitchell

This year Heart to Heart presents, “The Sounds of Gospel!” Join us as we celebrate the origins of Gospel, one of the most prolific genres of American music!
Don’t miss this evening that will take you on a journey through the phases of Gospel from the early days of “call and response” to the energizing sounds of contemporary Gospel music!
 
Plan now to be with us on Saturday, September 17 for an evening of high-energy gospel music and a fascinating trip down musical memory lane! You don’t want to miss this year’s concert experience. Tickets are available now.

We can’t wait to see you in person in September!
The Labor of Love Ensemble
Visit our website

Another Primary Is Coming on August 23rd

This summer has two primaries instead of one. We chose candidates for statewide races like Assembly and governor in June. On August 23, we’ll choose nominees for Congress and the State Senate.
Early voting runs between August 13 but, before you head to the polls, however, make sure you double check your polling location using the city Board of Elections poll site locator tool — and keep in mind that, often, your early voting site will be different than your election day site.
Where’s Your District, and Who’s Running?If you’re not sure where your new political districts are after the big political reshuffling earlier this year, find out with this redistricting tool and interactive map.
You can also use the map to find out who’s running for each office. Or, you can find your sample ballot from the city BOE — with a list of candidates who will appear for each contest — by plugging in your address here, then clicking the dark blue “View Sample Ballot” button on the right hand side of the page.
Note that a potentially primary-changing election law fluke last week that will effectively turn August’s election into an open primary.Because of a loophole opened during the court-mandated redistricting reshuffling this year, voters can switch parties and vote in whatever primary they choose in August — and can do so up until or on primary day.
That means a voter registered as a Republican right now could, in theory, switch their party to Democrat and vote in the Democratic primary this month, for example.
In a low-turnout primary, it could have a major effect on races’ outcomes.
Here’s a guide from WNYC/Gothamist about how to switch parties, and the limitations of the rule change.

Children Tested With Elevated Lead

How Calculated: Number of children less than 6 years old tested in a given year with blood lead levels of 15 mcg/dL or greater, divided by the number of children less than 6 years old who were tested for lead poisoning in a given year; expressed as cases per 1,000 tested. The numbers in this table include all children tested within a given calendar year, regardless of whether they were tested in previous years with the same or different blood lead levels. While children can receive more than one test during the calendar year, children are only counted once using the highest confirmed blood lead level during the calendar year. If the child does not have a confirmed test in a given year, the child’s blood lead level is based on the highest capillary or unknown test type. This measure differs from the rate of children newly identified with blood lead levels of 15 mcg/dL or greater reported by the Health Department in other publications. 

Read more about different measures used by the Health Department for surveillance of childhood lead poisoning.

Source: New York City Healthy Homes Program

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem is Open

After a long pause during COVID, the National Jazz Museum is open. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Head to their website to grab a timed ticket:

Harlem Rose Garden Concert

A People’s History of Strings

Created by Puerto Rican-American violinist and educator Skye Steele, A People’s History of Strings is an interactive musical and multi-media journey that traces the evolution of fiddles around the world. Starting from the first bowed instruments in Central Asia two thousand years ago, audiences travel through the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and back to the USA.

Woven into the narrative is Skye’s own family history of immigration, acculturation, and re-discovery, as reflected in the musical lineage of his grandfather, his mother, and himself.   

A People’s History of Strings explores relationships between cultures by exposing the connections between musical traditions that range from jazz and salsa to the classical music of Europe and the Middle East, all while offering a deeper and de-colonized understanding of an instrument we thought we knew so well.

Featuring:

Skye Steele – Narration; European, Turkish, Ghanaian, and Brazilian fiddles, vocals.

Gilbert Mansour – Middle Eastern and Latin percussion, drum set, vocals.

Mayteana Morales – Latin percussion, vocals.

Michael LaValle – Brazilian percussion, bass, cavaquinho, vocals.

Willerm Delisfort – piano, percussion

Refinancing Workshop from MMPCIA and Chase

Chase/MMPCIAMortgage Refinancing Workshop
Thursday, October 14th, 6:30 pm
an interactive workshop hosted by the Chase Community Branch Team to learn more about opportunities to refinance your home mortgage. 
In person (limited space) or via Zoom.

Registration link:

https://chase.surveymonkey.com/r/KHMBXCB