USA: New York Celebrates Harlem

The original cultural melting pot, sometimes referred to as the Black Mecca, Harlem has always been the focal point of African-American culture in New York. From the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s to staging of the Civil Rights Movement, this neighbourhood has seen it all. Over the course of the past forty years, the one-day tribute to Harlem that began in 1974, has evolved into a month-long celebration of the community’s rich cultural, political and historical heritage. Beginning with ‘A Great Day In Harlem ‘ on July 31 to ‘Summer in the City’ and ‘Harlem Day on August 20 and August 21 respectively, the whole month is going to witness a Harlem-themed extravaganza complete with an auto show, a children’s festival, a small-business expo, a fashion show, an educational fair, outdoor film screenings and a street dance party. The month will also see the inauguration of the Harlem/Havana Music & Cultural Festival—an international visual and performing arts, fashion, education and culinary exchange that will celebrate the artistic connection between Harlem and Havana.