See a great 1986 snapshot of East Harlem:
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/a-look-back-our-block-east-harlem/
New Parent Support Group

See a great 1986 snapshot of East Harlem:
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/a-look-back-our-block-east-harlem/
Pix11 has a report on a check for East Harlem from New York State to improve conditions.
https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/east-harlem-receiving-10m-community-investment/
The inaugural HOPE in Harlem Conference is taking place on Saturday May 13th. The purpose of the conference is to celebrate the heroic efforts of mental health professionals and community members during the pandemic and shed light on mental health equity.
The conference will be followed by a Wellness Fair with resources, face painting for children, and other wellness initiatives.
Tricia Hersey, founder of the Nap Ministry and NY Times Best-selling author is our keynote speaker.
OMH Commissioner Ann Sullivan is a featured speaker.
U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres is just confirmed to speak and share his wellness journey.
People can register for free at the conference website www.HopeInHarlemConference.com
HNBA gave a presentation on litter baskets in and the DSNY budget to residents of the Salvation Army’s East View Apartments, earlier this month.
Voters will use ranked choice voting (RCV) once again in the June 27, 2023 primary for most of the candidates shown on their ballots. Many Harlem residents (with party affiliation), will be able to vote for candidates for City Council.
Ranked choice is used only for primaries, not general elections; come November, we’ll go back to using traditional, top-choice-only voting.
Instead of choosing only one favorite candidate, voters rank up to five candidates in each race.
If one candidate gets more than 50% of the first-place votes, that person wins. If no candidate reaches that majority, however, instead of an expensive run-off election between the top two vote-getters, the ranked-choice method sorts out the best-preferred candidate for the most people.
If your top pick has the fewest first-choice votes among all voters, that candidate is eliminated from the race, and all of those voters’ second-choice picks are counted up. That process continues, with one candidate removed each round, until one candidate has more than half of the first-place votes.
Here’s an explanation of that in less than 90 seconds by Minnesota Public Radio.
Remember: the first choice is the candidate you love. Your second choice is the candidate that you like. Your third and fourth choice is the candidate you like slightly less. And your fifth choice is the candidate you can stand.
We’ve all seen those annoying websites with pop-up ads as we travel around the web that feature “Top 7 ways to…”
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being employed by these click-bait sites in order to create ‘content’ and drive up their ad revenue. Here is an example of the content that was generated titled:
Top Ancient History in Detail
The history of the world is long, winding, and fascinating. It is filled with many incredible stories, experiences and achievements that have shaped our lives today. Among the many chapters of world history, ancient history is perhaps one of the most fascinating. It is an area of study that has captivated the minds of historians, archaeologists and anthropologists for centuries. It is also an area of study that has provided us with valuable insights into the way our ancestors lived and thought. This article will explore the top 10 ancient histories in detail.
1. Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt is one of the most studied and discussed ancient civilizations. It was a powerful and influential civilization that ruled much of North Africa and the Middle East for over three thousand years. Ancient Egypt was a theocracy, which means it was ruled by a god-king. The civilization was known for its powerful army, its monumental architecture and its rich culture. Ancient Egypt was also known for its advanced writing system, its mathematical and astronomical knowledge, and its many advances in medicine and agriculture.
2. Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece was another powerful and influential ancient civilization. It was a major force in the Mediterranean for centuries and its influence can still be seen today. Ancient Greece is known for its many contributions to philosophy, literature, art, science, politics and architecture. Its most famous monuments, such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis, are still standing today. Ancient Greece was also known for its democracy and its advances in warfare.
3. Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was the largest and most powerful empire in Europe for centuries. It was a powerful force in the Mediterranean region and its influence can still be seen today. Ancient Rome was known for its engineering feats, its literature, its art and its religious beliefs. It was also known for its advanced military tactics, its law system and its government system.
4. Ancient China
Ancient China was one of the oldest civilizations in the world. It was a powerful and influential force in East Asia for centuries. Ancient China was known for its many inventions, such as gunpowder, paper and the compass. It was also known for its advanced architecture, its writing system and its complex philosophy.
5. Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Mesopotamia was a powerful civilization located in the Middle East. It was the birthplace of many great empires, such as the Babylonian, Assyrian and Persian empires. Ancient Mesopotamia was known for its invention of writing, its advances in mathematics and its irrigation systems. It was also known for its gods, goddesses and religious beliefs.
6. Ancient India
Ancient India was another powerful ancient civilization located in South Asia. It was a major force in the region for centuries and its influence can still be seen today. Ancient India was known for its advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine and philosophy. It was also known for its many religions and its contributions to literature, art and architecture.
7. Ancient Mayan
The Ancient Mayan civilization was one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas. It was located in what is now Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize. Ancient Mayan is known for its complex writing system, its calendar system, its astronomical knowledge and its advanced architecture. It was also known for its many gods and religious beliefs.
8. Ancient Aztec
The Ancient Aztec civilization was a powerful and influential force in Central America. It was located in what is now Mexico and its influence can still be seen today. Ancient Aztec is known for its advanced writing system, its complex calendar system, its religious beliefs and its advanced architecture. It was also known for its many gods and goddesses and its many rituals and ceremonies.
9. Ancient Inca
The Ancient Inca civilization was another powerful and influential ancient civilization located in South America. It was located in what is now Peru and its influence can still be seen today. Ancient Inca was known for its engineering feats, its advanced agricultural systems and its sophisticated writing system. It was also known for its many gods and goddesses, its religious beliefs and its advanced architecture.
10. Ancient Sumerian
The Ancient Sumerian civilization was an ancient civilization located in the Middle East. It was the first civilization to develop writing and its influence can still be seen today. Ancient Sumerian is known for its advances in mathematics, its complex writing system and its sophisticated irrigation systems. It was also known for its many gods, goddesses and religious beliefs.
Conclusion
The ancient world was filled with many great civilizations and empires. These civilizations and empires have left a lasting legacy that can still be seen today. This article has explored the top 10 ancient histories in detail. It has discussed the major civilizations and empires, their contributions to world history, their inventions and their religious beliefs. All of these ancient histories have helped to shape our world today.
And what does this drivel have to do with Harlem, well, included in their lists of royals, milk drinking, gym tips, and unheard childhood stories, is Top 7 New York Places You Should Never Visit, another AI-generated list:
New York is one of the most popular cities in the world, and many tourists flock to the city to experience the hustle and bustle of life in the Big Apple. However, while there are many great places to visit, there are also some areas of New York that should be avoided. Here are the top 7 places in New York that you should never visit.
1. Brownsville, Brooklyn:
Brownsville is one of the most dangerous and impoverished areas of New York City. The neighborhood has a high crime rate and is known for its gang violence, drug dealing, and prostitution. There have also been numerous shootings in the area over the past few years. It is best to avoid Brownsville and stay away from the area.
2. West Farms, Bronx:
West Farms is another dangerous area of New York City that has a high crime rate. The neighborhood is home to drug dealers, gangs, and violent criminals. It is best to avoid the area and stay away from any suspicious activity.
3. East Harlem, Manhattan:
East Harlem is a poor and dangerous neighborhood in Manhattan that has seen a rise in crime in recent years. The area is known for its gang violence, drug dealing, and prostitution. It is best to avoid East Harlem and stay away from any suspicious activity in the area.
4. Mott Haven, Bronx:
Mott Haven is another dangerous area of New York City and is known for its gang violence, drug dealing, and prostitution. The neighborhood is also home to many homeless people and is best avoided for safety reasons.
5. North Brooklyn:
North Brooklyn is home to a large number of gangs and criminals, and it is best to avoid the area. The neighborhood is known for its drug dealing, gang violence, and prostitution. It is best to stay away from any suspicious activity in the area.
6. Hunts Point, Bronx:
Hunts Point is an area of the Bronx that is home to a large number of gangs and criminals. The neighborhood is known for its drug dealing, gang violence, and prostitution. It is best to avoid Hunts Point and stay away from any suspicious activity in the area.
7. Jamaica, Queens:
Jamaica is another area of New York City that is known for its high crime rate. The neighborhood is home to many gangs and criminals and is known for its drug dealing, gang violence, and prostitution. It is best to avoid Jamaica and stay away from any suspicious activity in the area.
These are the top 7 places in New York that you should never visit. While there are many great places to visit in New York, these areas are best avoided for safety reasons. It is best to stay away from any suspicious activity in these areas and stay safe.
I came across a photo of the street scene in front of the Apollo from 1963 – almost 60 years ago:
It was great to see Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and other amazing acts featured, but I was intrigued by the steak house next-door (east) called Harlem Embers.
In the 1940’s the NYC tax photos show this location as housing a very different business:
A Men’s Wear store.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proposing a seawall along the FDR to protect East Harlem from coastal flooding.
The image below shows a section of the FDR, with one of the towers on the 103rd Street bridge in the distance on the right:
And below, a view looking northward from atop the proposed seawall, with the northbound FDR on the left, and the 145th Street Bridge in the distance:
To watch a news piece on the proposal, see:
Borough President Mark Levine highlighted an article in the NY Times that mapped energy usage (carbon footprint) on a district-by-district basis and showed the stark contrast between dense urban areas with many public transit options and car-centric suburbs:
An amazing film from 1945 promoting the democratic nature of mid-century public education. Students are seen addressing their ‘comrades’, and protest and activism is promoted. The result of the students’ work is shown to be the gleaming new projects in East Harlem.
The film is short, but you can jump to 18:26 to begin to see East Harlem students and street scenes. There are views of East Harlem from the FDR Drive, from above the Park Avenue MTA viaduct, and much more. Note the virtual absence of women, and the focus on the Italian East Harlem community.
The film was produced by the U.S. Office of War information, overseas branch. It is no. 8 in the American scene series. An Italian-language version accompanies the English.
https://digitallibrary.hsp.org/index.php/Detail/objects/13235
In the photo below, a group of men listen to a radio, mounted on a box. Their semicircular gathering allows the camera to take in a vignette with the central object (the radio) in full view – all of which suggests a staged photograph.
The image was taken in the 1930s during the depression. This location on Lenox Ave. is now the Mother Hale Bus Depot.
The nonprofit group Positive Workforce joined forces with Uptown Grand Central three years ago. It has been a job-training center in the community for 30 years.
The city has recently added funding and resources to bring on 30 workers. It’s part of Mayor Eric Adams’ “Get Stuff Clean” program.
“It’s making a big difference. People take notice and are getting on board. The lighting is up. They see people getting involved and they get involved,” said Ruben Thomas with Positive Workforce.
PIX11 has the report:
https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/clean-team-focuses-on-busy-uptown-manhattan-corridor/
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city has received a $7.25 million federal grant to plan for a major expansion of the greenway network across the five boroughs, with a focus on historically underserved, lower-income communities that lack access to affordable transportation and job opportunities. The funding comes from a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant and will be used to develop a comprehensive vision plan to fill critical gaps in the city’s greenway network, improve cyclist and pedestrian safety with improved infrastructure, and enhance quality of life with green transportation options and greater waterfront access.
“All New Yorkers deserve access to our beautiful greenways, and we’re making that happen thanks to millions in federal funding,” said Mayor Adams. “This grant will help us do the necessary planning to make the city greener and more bike-friendly in the communities that most need that infrastructure. Thank you to USDOT, Senator Schumer, and all our partners in New York and Washington for helping to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers.”
With the new funding, NYCDOT, NYC Parks, and NYCEDC will together create the city’s first comprehensive greenway vision plan in 30 years to guide future projects and track cycling growth and related trends. As part of that vision plan, the city will work to identify approximately five planned “Early Action” corridors across the five boroughs — prioritizing low- and moderate-income communities outside of Manhattan — and conduct robust planning studies for each to prepare the projects for funding and implementation. These new corridors would complement NYCDOT’s network of on-street bike lanes and NYC Parks’ public open spaces by dedicating more space to walking and cycling. The vision plan and corridor studies would include robust public engagement processes and would be developed in close collaboration with communities and key stakeholders, including the NYC Greenways Coalition.
The new greenway vision planning process follows a $47.6 million investment by Mayor Adams to complete six projects that will improve existing greenway routes in central Queens and along Brooklyn’s southwest shoreline through NYC Parks’ “Destination: Greenways!” plan. The city is simultaneously working to fill five key gaps in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway in Inwood, Harlem, East Harlem, and East Midtown, representing an investment of over $1 billion. The first of these projects — the East Midtown Greenway, from East 53rd Street to East 61st Street — is expected to be completed in 2023.
Congressmember Adriano Espaillat noted: “I have long championed expansion of the New York City Greenway network, and I am delighted to help bring this significant level of federal funding and support through the Department of Transportation to move this project closer to the finish line,” said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. “After decades of neglect, communities throughout my district look forward to the development of the Harlem River Greenway to bring new open space, waterfront access, and a renewed seawall to the communities of Upper Manhattan — from East Harlem to Inwood. This grant funding is a win for our community and the families who call New York City home.”
It’s not often you link Harlem and 1970’s heavy metal, but a weird factoid popped up on of those LinkNYC screens the other day that noted that Gene Simmons taught (for six months) grade 6 in East Harlem before his band – KISS – took off in 1973.
On a (very) different branch of the entertainment tree, Harlem, GA’s most famous son is emblazoned on their municipal water tank.
CUNY has come up with a somewhat pedantic restaurant guide for East Harlem.
They’ve covered most of the bases, but oddly have some restaurants that haven’t been open for 2 years now and others are located firmly in Central Harlem. It seems surprising that they didn’t check whether or not the restaurants were still in business, and you wonder if they really know the geography of East Harlem?
Nevertheless, it’s worth checking out to see if some of your old favorites are there, or if something new worth checking out is listed:
https://www.nycfoodpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/East-Harlem-Restaurant-Guide-2022-2023.pdf
Ebay has a postcard of City College, with eye popping color and wonderful framing under a gothic arch.
The request (to South Dakota) to exchange postcards, is charming: