Kellyn Tillers, Mayor David Dinkins, Dr. Terri Kennedy, Grace Ali outside Gracie Mansion
THE BUZZ: On Thursday, July 19th, 2012, I attended the kickoff of the 38th anniversary of Harlem Week at Gracie Mansion. In addition to our host Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, most of Harlem political elite and influencers were there. I caught up with Michelle Paterson who was looking beautiful as usual and Mayor David Dinkins (pictured above with two of my dear friends Kellyn Tillers and Grace Ali).
After Mayor Bloomberg’s remarks, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce President Lloyd Williams and Assemblyman Keith Wright welcomed the crowd with sad news – that Sylvia Woods had just passed away at the age of 86. Ironically, the “Queen of Soul Food” was to receive an honor for the 50th Anniversary of Sylvia’s Restaurant. Assemblyman Wright led us in a moment of silence and Tina McRae, special assistant to U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel, accepted the honor on behalf of the Woods family.
Other honors went to Carib News on its 30th Anniversary and Jackie Rowe Adams in honor of her tireless community activism and commitment to anti-violence. We also were graced with a performance by the 2012 Tony award winning cast of Porgy & Bess.
This year, the theme for Harlem Week – which is really a month of events starting July 28th – is Where the World Meets the World. It celebrates Harlem’s global presence and international legacy. Activities include:
- The Great Day In Harlem “Sunday Classics” on July 29th in honor of radio legend Hal Jackson
- The Economic Development Day
- Sr. Citizens Day
- The Percy E. Sutton Harlem 5k Run & NYC Family Walk-A-Thon For Peace in Our Communities
- Special salutes on August 18 celebrating and the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence with music from the legendary Bob Marley
- An outdoor screening of the critically acclaimed documentary “Marley”
On HARLEM DAY, August 19th there is a salute honoring the 100th anniversaries of South Africa’s African National Congress and Japan’s Sakura Festival plus much more. For the full schedule, go to the official Harlem Week website.
Contributed by Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy, Ph.D., MBA.
