New Look For the National Black Theater

The National Black Theatre’s site will look very, very different by 2024 when the new building is expected to be finished.

The NBT will occupy the first four floors of the building with over 200 residential units above. The architect, Frida Escobedo is working with Handel Architects who is behind the Sendero Verde project (currently being built between Madison/Park and 111/112 in East Harlem).

The ground floor of the new NBT building will be a “community gathering space”.

The building will total 21 stories and be called “The Ray”, with mostly studios, one and two bedrooms, home office and junior bedroom options, flexible spaces, and some affordable units.

The developer has indicated they would also incorporate an Artist Housing Initiative with housing for local artists and creatives. The rooftop will include a community kitchen and terrace.

Ray Harlem will be located at 2033 National Black Theatre Way on Fifth Avenue between125/126th Streets.

Commander John J. Shea Memorial Building

Commander John J. Shea won, posthumously, the Navy Cross:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander John J. Shea (NSN: 0-54106), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), during operations in the Solomon Islands on 15 September 1942. Lieutenant Commander Shea directed the fight against fires on the flight deck of the U.S.S. WASP, after the carrier had been crippled by the Japanese bombing attack which later caused her to sink. Lieutenant Commander Shea disregarded the danger from the fires, flying debris, and exploding ammunition to carry on his fight. When the water pressure failed, he employed chemical fire-fighting equipment in a desperate effort to extinguish a fire in a ready ammunition locker, and was leading out a fire hose to continue his efforts when a terrific explosion occurred. He was not subsequently seen by his shipmates. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Shea throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander Shea is also memorialized in a building on East 111th Street

Which was built in 1943, and whose cornerstone was designed to look like the posthumous navy cross medal that Commander Shea was awarded.

HNBA Meeting Tonight at 7:00

Join HNBA in learning more about the new building at 125/5th that will house the National Black Theater.

In addition, Mark Levine will swing by to answer any questions you might have for the Democratic nominee to be the next Manhattan Borough President.

Subscribe to HNBA in order to get access to the Zoom link:

School Absenteeism

How Calculated: 

The percent of NYC public school students, grades K to 5, who were chronically absent during the 2013-14 school year.

Chronically absent is defined as missing 20 or more school days per year.

Source: New York City Department of Education

32nd Precinct’s Community Council Meetings

HNBA Meeting on Tuesday, October 12th, 7:00 PM

Join HNBA and learn more about the large new development that the National Black Theater has for 5th Avenue at 125/126 Street.

We’ll hear from the founder’s (Barbara Teer) son who is managing the project.

The Democratic Manhattan Borough President candidate Mark Levine will also swing by our Zoom meeting and answer any questions about what his vision for Harlem in 2022 and beyond, is.

Terrifying Admission by Mayor De Blasio

Register To Vote!

The deadline to register to vote is Friday, May 28 and early voting begins on Saturday, June 12. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is June 15.

Free Concerts in Marcus Garvey Park this Weekend

National Black Theatre is partnering with the New York Philharmonic to bring NY Phil Bandwagon 2 to Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem!

NY Phil Bandwagon 2 is a series of four weekend-long festivals across New York City, May 7–30, 2021. Performances will feature Philharmonic musicians and more than 100 New York artists, which span artistic disciplines from reggae, jazz, and opera, to dance, poetry, theatre, film, and visual art.  All performances will take place on a customized, mobile, 20-foot shipping container featuring a foldout stage and LED video wall.

Comptroller Candidates

The final list of NYC Comptroller Candidates is in:

You can see the NY Board of Elections full list of all races and candidates, here: https://vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/candidates/2021/ContestList_6.22.2021_PDF_PrimaryElection_4.27.2021_.pdf