Black Parade Harlem

A great video with amazing production values and choreography is out from HarlemParade.org

Harlem Parade notes that:

The Harlem Parade initiative launched via HARLEMPARADE.ORG on September 17, 2020 with an innovative protest art video – Black Parade Harlem.

Led by Harlem native and principal dancer for Beyoncé, Dnay Baptiste, and Founder and Creative Director that produce unique content and event activations to celebrate Harlem’s rich arts community, amplifyHarlem’s Black-owned businesses, and promote civic engagement.

Driven by three pillars of purpose- culture, commerce and community, we are committed to preserving Harlem’s cultural legacy, protecting Harlem’s Black commerce, and empowering Harlem’s thriving community.

1887

I love this distinctive font used on an 1887 church (now a private residence – the Swiss artist Ugo Rondinon bought it almost 10 years ago for 2.75 million – 2050 5th Avenue).

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What I am less enthralled about is the fact that at the time of the sale, the deal makers touted that the church would be used for a community space:

According to the brokers who sold 2050 Fifth Avenue, Mr. Rondinone plans to transform the church into some sort of community cultural space. “It was a very busy listing, Louis probably showed it to 80 different groups,” Alan Miller of Eastern Consolidated told The Observer. Louis would be Louis Ricci, the Eastern director in charge of the deal. “When it finally sold,” Mr. Miller continued, “the neighbors were very happy to know it would be something for the community.” (Mr. Rondinone was traveling this afternoon and could not immediately be reached for comment.)https://observer.com/2011/11/heaven-yes-ugo-rondinone-buys-harlem-church/

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This statement has not turned out to be true.

VP Debate Tomorrow!

On Wednesday, October 7th, the world will watch Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate and Senator, Kamala Harris, take the stage to make history. And, our New York for Biden+Harris family will be there to cheer her on – virtually, of course!
Sign up for our NYS Pre-Debate Program featuring Valerie Jarrett – former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, and special guests.
We will also be hosting a full day of phone banks from 3pm to 8pm in collaboration with local elected officials, Democratic clubs, partner organizations, and more!
Click here to sign up for a volunteer shift and help us make history!
Interested in learning how to make an impact over the next 27 days? Register to visit our Virtual Campaign Field Office this Wednesday at 12pm for a mini-training & GOTV update.

2020 Debate Tonight!

A number of HNBA members had a great time in June of 2019 when we joined the first night of the Presidential Primary Debates in Harlem, NYC. Tonight it’s the (first) Election 2020 debate!

Instagram: @newyorkforbiden2020 / Facebook: @newyorkforbiden / Twitter: @newyorkforbiden
https://www.mobilize.us/joebiden/event/331934/

Our democracy, humanity, and sanity are on the ballot this November.

#NewYorkStrong #ItsUpToUs

Cemeteries of New York

Most of us are likely aware of the great cemeteries in New York like Woodlawn (straight up the 4 train, and open to the public – dogs permitted after signing a waiver) and Green Wood (Brooklyn), as well as the cemetery ‘belt’ in Queens. You may also be aware of the lost cemeteries like the African Burial Ground (behind City Hall) and our own East Harlem African Burial Ground that is now covered by the abandoned MTA bus depot at 126th and 1st Avenue.

Cemeteries of NYC, however, has not only mapped the ones we’ve all heard of, but countless others that were (or are) burial grounds in the 5 Boroughs:

Zooming into Harlem, I was surprised to see some cemeteries (long gone) that once existed. In particular, note how much of Wards and Randall’s Island were used as potters fields:

In this, zoomed in view, note how there was a cemetery, on both sides of Lexington, between 125/126:

On the map you can click on each of the features to learn more about how many people were/are buried there, and when/if they were transferred to another location at some point:

https://www.cemeteriesofnyc.com/map

19th Century Views of East Harlem

Some of the images of East Harlem’s shanty towns that were soon swallowed by the grid and development, are remarkably striking. This one is from 1870:

And is looking at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 117th Street.

This photo (above) is not located, but dated 1894 and called East Harlem Shanty town.

Debate Watch Party

A number of HNBA members had a great time in June of 2019 when we joined the first night of the Presidential Primary Debates in Harlem, NYC. Now it’s time to prepare for the Election 2020 debates!

New York for Biden+Harris has been asked to coordinate an official statewide Debate Watch Party for Tuesday, September 29th at 8pm!

Please share the image and link below far and wide.
Instagram: @newyorkforbiden2020 / Facebook: @newyorkforbiden / Twitter: @newyorkforbiden
https://www.mobilize.us/joebiden/event/331934/

We have to move quickly as our democracy, humanity, and sanity are on the ballot this November.

Let’s show the world who we are! #NewYorkStrong #ItsUpToUs

Your Sister in this Movement,
NY WHITAKER

NYS Lead,

New York for Biden+Harris