Sylvia & Herbert Woods

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Sylvia & Herbert Woods Community Harlem News “Good News You Can Use” Vol. 12 No. 44 November 1 - November 2, 2012 FREE The Harlem News Group, Inc. Connecting Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and The South Bronx Inside RUTH CLARKE - WE SALUTE YOU page 12 FREDERICK E. SAMUELS COMMUNITY DEMOCRATIC CLUB ANNUAL LEGENDS AWARDS pages 12 SYLVIA & HERBERT WOODS 11TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND & COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS page 14 Community Calendar of Events page 8 THE LAST POETS AT BRONX LAB pages 17 face/harlemnewsinc visit our website: www.harlemnewsgroup.com @harlemnewsinc 2 Harlem News Group November 1, 2012 Harlem News Group Harlem News HARLEM .QUEENSBROOKLYNBRONX Harlem News Group C ONTENTS HARLEM . QUEENS . BROOKLYN . BRONX Community HARLEM NEWS Community BROOKLYN NEWS Advertise Community BRONX NEWS Community Today QUEENS NEWS Free copies distributed in your community weekly “GOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE” IN THIS ISSUE: Finance page 4 Community page 5 Editorial page 6 Community page 7 Calendar page 8 Health page 10 Pat Stevenson Events page 12 A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER Highlight page 14 Focus page 17 Good New You Can Use Education page 18 Urbanology page 19 VOTE on November 6th. Career Page 20 Expressions page 21 It is time for your voice to be heard. Literary Corner page 22 You must participate in choosing who Real Estate page 23 Classified page 24 will lead your country and community. Horoscopes page 26 Crossword Puzzle page 26 I hope each of you who is eligible will go out and vote in this year’s presiden- tial election as well as local elections Publisher/Editor Pat Stevenson A&E Editor Linda Armstrong for the candidate of your choice. We Art & Cultural Stacey Ann Ellis Adams Report Audrey Adams cannot afford to make any assump- Travel Editor Audrey Bernard Writer Jarad Wright tions. Each of us must vote. Financial Writer Anthony Battle Congratulations to the recipi- Employment Stacey K. Williams Education Luvon Roberson ents of the Herbert and Sylvia Woods Real Estate Rev. Charles Butler Columnist Bro Bill Defosset Scholarships and Community Service Columnist William A. Rogers Awards. (see page 14). Columnist Zakiyyah Columnist Ann Stevenson Congratulations to Ruth Clarke Columnist Arn Ashwood Columnist Lavern Fountain on your birthday and the celebration of Book Review Terri Schlichenmeyer Queens Photojournalist Juliet Kaye your life at the recent roast event held Brooklyn Writer Keith Forrest at Melba’s on 125th. (see page 12). Bronx Writer Howard Giske Queens Photojourn. Juliet Kaye Congratulations to the Legend Political Editor Cedric McClester Society Audrey Bernard Awards winners who were honored at Technology Editor Ron Stephenson the recent Frederick E. Samuel Com- Photographer Michelle James Photojournalist Gideon Manasseh munity Democratic Club event. Layout Ann Stevenson Office/Dist. Assistant Dominic Jones (see page 12). Computer Dir. David Sinclair Social Media Mgr. 1209 Affair Our heart goes out to all those who suffered loss during hurricane Jose Ferrer - Hispanic Mkt. Mgr. Our Mission Statement Hispanic Community Consultant Sandy’s roar through the northeast. I The Harlem News Group, Inc. will publish posi- William A. Rogers - MWBE Consultant am personally comforted in my belief tive news and information. Our mission is to deliver Marketing & Strategy Consultant H Urbanology Systems, LLC that during this horrible event, we had a r l “good” and informative news to our readers focus- the right leaders in place. e ing on health, education, housing, business and m When you do business with our advertisers, tell them you saw their ad in the Harlem News Publica- N employment opportunities. We look for and publish tions. We appreciate our readers. Send us your opinions. e The Harlem News Group assumes no responsibility for return of photographs. w results, not problems. We promote businesses, -Pat Stevenson s G opportunities and events happening in the commu- Next Issue: November 8 r o nities we serve. We are dedicated to providing our u p readers with valuable information they can use to A Publication of: N improve the quality of life for themselves, their fami- o v Harlem News Group, Inc. e lies and our communities. m Mailing: P.O. Box # 1775 b To reserve advertising space call New York, New York 10027 e r Phone: (212) 996-6006 1 , (212) 996-6006 Fax: (212) 996-6010 2 0 1 To subscribe go to our website at www.harlemnewsgroup.com email: [email protected] 2 WEBSITE: www.harlemnewsgroup.com 3 Harlem News Group FINANCE HARLEM . QUEENS . BROOKLYN . BRONX GET YOUR RETIREMENT BACK ON TRACK By Jeff Cosby, Wells Fargo Financial Advisor iven the volatility of the job benefit of compounding earnings. Financial preparation for ready when it's time for you to retire. market over the past few Based on the investments in your retirement is different for every indi- The good news is that with proper Gyears, job loss and other unex- retirement portfolio, the money you vidual. To make sure that you're on investment planning, you should be pected career disruptions or changes put in has the potential to earn more the right track, take the time now to able to retire with confidence-if you have become all too common for money for you - whether through assess your own situation and see get organized. many Americans, and they can throw interest payments, dividends, or other what you can do to make sure you're off one's long term plans and goals. means of growth. In many cases, those When we encounter these types of earnings can be reinvested into your major life changes, the more immedi- portfolio, further enhancing the total ate need to adapt to our new lives and value of your savings and allowing settle in to our new realities tends to your money the opportunity to "make take priority. However, in spite of the money" for you. focus required for those day-to-day If your retirement is less than challenges, planning for retirement ten years away, then it's time to start continues to be top of mind for many. making subtle adjustments to your According to the most recent Wells investment mix. Hopefully, at this Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement point you're not just getting started, Optimism Index, when asked to rank but rather taking a look at how your their most important savings priority, investments are allocated and making 41% of investors said "saving for sure they appropriately match your retirement." But how to do it? risk tolerance, your investment objec- Regardless of your personal tives and your relatively short time circumstances, there are some basic horizon. Because you have less time steps you can take to plan for the day to work with, you still want to have you retire. First, you should consider some investments that offer growth, how much time you have left in the but you also want to begin looking at ranks of the employed, and adjust preservation of principal through fixed your planning based on your stage in income alternatives such as bonds, life so that you will be financially pre- which may provide a little more sta- pared to retire. bility in your portfolio and help If you have at least ten years reduce your overall risk. left before you plan to retire, you still Finally, at some point you'll have the advantage of time on your reach that day that you once thought side. One of the most basic principles was so far off. When you find yourself of investing is putting your money officially in the position to retire, you into different investment vehicles and will have a whole different outlook on then leaving it there so you can poten- those funds you have set aside for just tially reap the benefits of long-term that purpose. Instead of making con- returns. With more than ten years left tributions to your retirement funds to to invest, you might be able to afford help them grow, you'll need to main- to take on a bit more risk with your tain your income from those invest- investments. While equities - such as ments. You'll likely begin taking stocks - have an inherent risk of losing distributions from them to pay for money, they also have a history of your day-to-day expenses. A thorough providing significant returns over a review of your investments will help long period of time. Just keep in mind you clearly see just how much you that past performance is no guarantee have saved, and how you will have to of future results. plan your distributions so you don't Probably the biggest advan- run short on funds during your retire- tage of getting an early start is the ment. 2 1 0 2 , 1 r e b Visit: m www.harlemnewsgroup.com e v o N YOU CAN SEE OUR p CURRENT ISSUE AND u o BACK ISSUES ONLINE. r G s w e N m e l r a H 4 Harlem News Group MWBE CORNER/ FINANCE HARLEM . QUEENS . BROOKLYN . BRONX NEW YORK STATE MWBE FORUM BEHIND IN PAYING YOUR INCOME TAXES? By William A. Rogers TAX DEPARTMENT OFFERS PAYMENT PLAN he State of New York had the largest minority owned and women owned businesses. minority and women owned business When you visit ny.newnycontrats.com this site "I'm behind in paying personal "Hard times can fall on anyone, Tenterprise (MWBE) forum in the histo- will provide access to new online application income taxes I owe New York State, but but whatever you do, don't ignore a tax ry of states MWBE program last weekend forms for faster MWBE certification and I can't pay that amount right now.
Recommended publications
  • Congressional Record
    July 31, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1365 And she somehow found time to publish two hard work, as well as the importance of loyalty istry includes a region-wide television pro- successful cookbooks. to one’s company. gram, entitled ‘‘Strength for Today.’’ Its build- In 2001, Sylvia said goodbye to her best Mr. Grant began his career after graduating ing stands as a stunning landmark, and the friend, the love of her life, Herbert Woods. In with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental his memory, the Woods family founded the reputation of its members is a powerful testi- Sylvia and Herbert Woods Scholarship Fund Studies at the University of Maine in 1977. mony to the greatness of God. The church’s offering collegiate scholarships to Harlem After graduation, he began a long journey, ulti- success and strength is due, in large part, to and local residents. To date, the fund has mately taking him from the East coast to the Rev. Harrell’s faithfulness and care in serving dispersed 76 scholarships and will continue West and finally down to Alabama. the community of the Central Savannah River to live up to its mantra: ‘‘a higher level of He began work with Boise as the Pulp Mill Area and first and foremost, our Lord Jesus education should not be a high-end luxury, Day Supervisor in 1987 in Wallula, Wash- Christ. He has served a total of 39 years in but a right to all those who seek it’’. ington. He then became the Power and Utili- ministry, holding a number of positions in the After the death of her soul mate, Sylvia ties Superintendent from 1988 to 1989 at once again turned to her faith for renewed Augusta Baptist Association, Georgia Baptist empowerment.
    [Show full text]
  • NYC 2014 Website
    NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 3 DAYS - 2 NIGHTS APRIL 25 - 27, 2014 $545.00 per person (double occupancy) PACKAGE INCLUDES: * 2 Nights lodging * 2 Breakfasts * 2 Dinners, including Sylvia's in Harlem * Guided tour of Harlem * Broadway show -- "Motown: The Musical" * Shopping in Manhattan * Souvenir gift * Luggage handling * Taxes and meal gratuities * Motorcoach transportation Cancellation insurance available upon request FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: WHITE STAR TOURS 26 E. Lancaster Ave. Reading, PA 19607 (610) 775-5000 (800) 437-2323 NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 3 DAYS - 2 NIGHTS The sample itinerary described below is approximately like the itinerary your group will be following during your stay with WHITE STAR TOURS. However, the exact times, days, and destinations may vary for your group. Day 1 - Depart from Ohio and travel to the New York City area where upon arrival you will check into your hotel in New Jersey (across from Manhattan). You will have time to freshen up before traveling ito New York City to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants. After dinner head for Broadway for a spectacular performance of "Motown: The Musical" which tells the story of the one-of-a-kind sound that hit the airwaves in 1959 and changed our culture forever. This exhilarating show charts Motown founder Berry Gordy's incredible journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more. The show features all the classics you love and tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack that changed America.
    [Show full text]
  • The Queen and King of Soul Food
    Harr_0471374725_c01.qxd 10/3/00 9:03 AM Page 1 1 SYLVIA AND HERBERT WOODS SYLVIA’S RESTAURANT The Queen and King of Soul Food I don’t stay still long enough to relax. Even when I’m in bed, I’m thinking. It had only been 30 minutes since the doors to the world-famous Sylvia’s Restaurant opened, but, as usual, the place was already packed. Scores of family, friends, fans, and some of the biggest names in Harlem had come to help Sylvia Woods celebrate the release of her second cookbook, Sylvia’s Family Soul Food Cook- book. Under slightly dimmed lights, flashbulbs flickered, cam- corders rolled, and nearly 400 guests shared “Remember when . .” stories. The bluesy sounds of a live jazz band filtered through the quaint and cozy quarters of this Harlem-based restaurant that has become a historic landmark and a revered tourist attraction. Not one person was without a plate. Some diners had piled- high portions of smothered pork chops, fried catfish, crisp col- lard greens, golden-brown macaroni and cheese, and sugary candied yams. Others were working their way through barbe- cued ribs, southern fried chicken, potato salad, black-eyed peas, and fluffy squares of cornbread. These are just a few of the soul food favorites for which the down-home restaurant has be- come known over the past three decades. (The recipes are in the cookbooks.) Then there is the “Queen of Soul Food” herself: Sylvia. She is just as popular as the home-style Southern cui- sine she serves. 1 Harr_0471374725_c01.qxd 10/3/00 9:03 AM Page 2 2 Against All Odds Dressed in an understated yet classic black dress, and greet- ing her diners with a motherly smile, Sylvia effortlessly made her way from table to table, exchanging hugs and kisses, posing for pictures, signing autographs, and chatting with guests.
    [Show full text]
  • CONGRESSIONAL RECORD— Extensions of Remarks E1915 HON
    October 2, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Ð Extensions of Remarks E1915 Its very walls pronounce its fame. The Summit, N.Y. ``I worked side by side with national security implications of what the So- central element of the decor, which Mrs. her. She wanted to get somewhere. Believe viet Union had accomplished. Thus, October Woods describes as ``comfortable, decent and you me, nobody gave her nothing. She 4, 1957 marked not only the birth of the space clean,'' are photographs of many notable earned it.'' visitors. Mrs. Woods was reared by her mother, age, but also the birth of the space race be- The former Republican Vice-Presidential Julia Pressley, on their 35-acre farm in Hem- tween America and the Soviet UnionÐa race candidate Jack Kemp, Labor Secretary Alex- ingway, S.C., a patchwork of small farms that was simply one more symbol of the cold is Herman, the media mogul Quincy Jones with more wagons than cars when she was war rivalry of the two superpowers. and the actor Denzel Washington in the role growing up. Yet, from the vantage point of 40 years of just another diner are among scores of Her father died two days before she was later, that rivalry is not the main legacy of those whose pictures are on display in the born, Mrs. Woods said, a victim of gassing Sputnik. Instead, its legacy is embodied in the three cobbled-together rooms that make up during World War I. ``I've never seen his face, countless ways in which humanity's explo- Sylvia's.
    [Show full text]
  • Sylvia & Herbert Woods
    Com m unity Harlem News “Good News You Can Use” Vol. 12 No. 44 November 1 - November 2, 2012 FREE The Harle m Ne ws Group, Inc . Co nne c ting Harlem, Que e ns, Broo klyn and The South Bronx Inside RUTH CLARKE - WE SALUTE YO U page 12 FREDERICK E. SAMUELS CO MMUNITY DEMO CRATIC CLUB ANNUAL LEGENDS AWARDS pages 12 SYLVIA & HERBERT WOODS 11TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND & COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS page 14 Community Calendar of Events page 8 THE LAST POETS AT BRONX LAB pages 17 face/ harlemnewsinc visit our website: www.harlemnewsgroup.c om @harlemnewsinc 2 Harlem News Group November 1, 2012 HarlemNews Group HARLEM .QUEENSBROOKLYNBRONX Harlem News Group C ONTENTS HARLEM . QUEENS . BROOKLYN . BRONX Community HARLEM NEWS Community BROOKLYN NEWS Advertise Community BRONX NEWS Community Today QUEENS NEWS Free copies distributed in your community weekly “GOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE” IN THIS ISSUE: Finance page 4 Community page 5 Editorial page 6 Community page 7 Calendar page 8 Health page 10 Pat Stevenson Events page 12 A NO TE FROM THE PUBLISHER Highlight page 14 Focus page 17 Good New You Can Use Education page 18 Urbanology page 19 VOTE on November 6th. Career Page 20 Expressions page 21 It is time for your voice to be heard. Literary Corner page 22 You must participate in choosing who Real Estate page 23 Classified page 24 will lead your country and community. Horoscopes page 26 Crossword Puzzle page 26 I hope each of you who is eligible will go out and vote in this year’s presiden- tial election as well as local elections Publisher/Editor Pat Stevenson A&E Editor Linda Armstrong for the candidate of your choice.
    [Show full text]
  • Extensions of Remarks E1914 HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. HON. ROB
    E1914 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Ð Extensions of Remarks October 2, 1997 character and entrepreneurial spirit as they Conference Report. But I also want to restate looked like the opening of a department celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mario's my concern over the way in which we were store sale, as tourists from around the world, Tacos. I ask my colleagues to join me in salut- not given the opportunity to vote up or down in sneakers, shorts and T-shirts, along with other diners in waiting, some in their Sun- ing this fine establishment and extending on the cost-of-living adjustment for Members day best, anticipated the moment when they Mario and Celia Jimenez our fondest wishes of Congress during the fiscal year 1998 appro- could surge inside. for their continued success. priations process. If I had been given the When the door opened at 12:30 P.M., about f chance, I would have voted against it. 100 customers pressed forward, eager for fried I am a strong supporter of a number of im- chicken, salmon croquettes, collard greens, IN LOVING MEMORY OF BESSIE portant provisions in the conference report that candied yams, black-eyed peas and the live GILMORE has returned from the House/Senate Con- music of Sylvia's Sunday gospel brunch. For those for whom soul food has literal ference Committee, and that is why I feel meaning, the weekly four-hour feast, in HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. compelled to support it. These provisions in- which hundreds gather, was a reaffirming OF NEW JERSEY clude funding levels that are consistent with evocation of down home.
    [Show full text]
  • The Semiotics of Soul Food: Frommer’S, Fried Chicken and the Afro-Fusion Delights of Harlem
    The Semiotics of Soul Food: Frommer’s, Fried Chicken and the Afro-fusion Delights of Harlem The Semiotics of Soul Food: Frommer’s, Fried Chicken and the Afro-fusion Delights of Harlem Monique Taylor Abstract Faded family photos place me in Harlem as early as the mid-1960s when, as a girl, I made the suburban to urban trek each summer with my family in our wood-paneled station wagon. Harlem to me then meant deciphering the Southern roots transplanted north of my Aunt Skeeter and Uncle Tyrone. Along with townhomes selling for millions of dollars, the current upscaling of Harlem bestows a reputation as a ‘must-eat’ site on foodie treks through Manhattan. A weekend food truck rally is made popular through Facebook. In guidebooks such as Frommers, online endorsements by trip advisor and insider tips from the sassy Zagat guide, today’s traveler is urged to make Harlem a destination for eating. Magazine, social media and blog talk of a restaurant renaissance depicts a burgeoning scene that on its surface communicates tolerance and diversity through food and eating. The following essay is an analysis of Harlem food and eating communities that are defined through food discourse(s). In what Annie Hauck- Lawson terms ‘foodvoices’ I explore the role gentrification plays in changing Harlem foodways. Keywords Harlem, Langston Hughes, Frommers, Foodways, Food Truck Rally, Zagat, Frank’s, Ghetto, Soul Food Coldnoon: International Journal of Travel Writing & Travelling Cultures 65 Monique Taylor The Semiotics of Soul Food: Frommer’s, Fried Chicken and the Afro-fusion Delights of Harlem Monique Taylor I can never put on paper the thrill of the underground ride to Harlem … At every station I kept watching for the sign: 135TH STREET.
    [Show full text]
  • CONGRESSIONAL RECORD— Extensions of Remarks E182 HON
    E182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 13, 2017 in children’s and human rights, but perhaps to raise the minimum wage, supported edu- tions of African Americans in New York’s 13th her finest achievement is being able to do all cation and training for the hearing impaired, Congressional District. that while taking part in the growth and devel- bolstered vocational training and endeavored opment of several wonderful young people as to provide continued aid to elementary and f a mother, foster parent, and ‘‘bubbe’’ (grand- secondary schools and public libraries. ma). His presence as an African-American in the PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Dr. U.S. House of Representatives was not just Fran Kaplan on her 70th birthday. She has left poignant for symbolisms’ sake. In 1951, Con- HON. LYNN JENKINS a legacy of advocacy and compassion. She is gressman Powell rose to become the Chair- OF KANSAS man of the House Committee on Education a true trailblazer and my friend for nearly 40 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years. And now, Fran has returned to direct and Labor. For his efforts, President Lyndon anti-racism organizing and education, her first B. Johnson in 1966 wrote that Congressman Monday, February 13, 2017 true calling, at ABHM and has finally come Powell’s record, ‘‘represents the successful re- Ms. JENKINS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I home. The citizens of the Fourth Congres- porting of 49 pieces of bed-rock legislation. was absent from Roll Call votes 86 and 87 on sional District, the State of Wisconsin and the And the passage of every one of these bills the evening of February 13, 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • B Usiness C Ulinary a Rchi Te Cture C Ompu Te R G
    B u s i n e s s C u l i n a r y A r c h i t e c t u r e C o m p u t e r G e n e r a l I n t e r e s t C h i l d r e n L i f e S c i e n c e s B i o g r a p h y A c c o u n t i n g F i n a n c e M a t h e m a t i c s H i s t o r y S e l f - I m p r o v e m e n t H e a l t h E n g i n e e r i n g G r a p h i c D e s i g n A p p l i e d S c i e n c e s P s y c h o l o g y I n t e r i o r D e s i g n B i o l o g y C h e m i s t r y WILEYe WILEY JOSSEY-BASS B O O K PFEIFFER J.K.LASSER CAPSTONE WILEY-LISS WILEY-VCH WILEY-INTERSCIENCE Harr_0471374725_fm.qxd 10/3/00 9:01 AM Page i Black Enterprise AGAINST ALL ODDS Harr_0471374725_fm.qxd 10/3/00 9:01 AM Page ii Black Enterprise Books provide useful information on a broad spectrum of business and general-interest topics, including en- trepreneurship, personal and business finance, and career devel- opment.
    [Show full text]
  • CONGRESSIONAL RECORD— Extensions Of
    E1364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 31, 2012 CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVER- munity. It was under the hot sun that she shortly thereafter with the hope that he SARY GOLDEN JUBILEE OF HAR- picked beans every day after school and first might one day sail to Brooklyn and reunite LEM’S BELOVED SYLVIA’S RES- fell in love with food. And it was there that with his love. Although he never quite made Sylvia initially met her future husband at it to Brooklyn through the Navy, the two TAURANT the tender age of 11 as she worked alongside married soon enough and moved to the vil- him on the farm. You could say it was des- lage of Harlem. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL tiny. On the tough and often unforgiving streets OF NEW YORK Sylvia’s mother Julia worked tirelessly as of New York, almost everyone was chasing a laundress in New York and saved nearly after a dream. But it was the incomparable IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES every penny with the aim of purchasing the lessons of integrity, sacrifice, dedication and Tuesday, July 31, 2012 property adjacent to her own mother. That courage of her childhood that laid the foun- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I stand to honor dream ultimately came to fruition. She re- dation for Sylvia’s eventual empire in Har- a venerable Harlem institution, Sylvia’s Res- turned to South Carolina when Sylvia was lem and was an imprint for the nation. When still an adolescent. Julia bought property the Woods first moved uptown, Herbert drove taurant, on its 50th anniversary.
    [Show full text]
  • Shaking Off the Stigma of Urban Decay: Harlem's 21St Century
    Shaking off the Stigma of Urban Decay: Harlem’s 21st Century Renaissance Michael Adams NYC Guide March 30, 2016 Since the 1920’s New York City’s Harlem community – a few blocks north of Central Park, has served as a residential, cultural and business hub for countless African Americans. Originally a Dutch village formally organized in 1658, it is named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands; and to a considerable extent Harlem is not only a community etched with African American vastness, but a place of cultural identity as well. The community has produced jazz greats, political giants and sports heroes; and is notably home to literary giants such as Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen, music impresarios Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday and social change agents, Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey. Harlem is well known for soul-stirring gospel choirs, nourishing southern-style food, throng of street vendors and African markets. Throughout the years, the neighborhood has managed to reinvent itself with a new crop of enterprising and revolutionary leadership, reasonably priced housing accommodations and innovative and tempting tourists fascinations. The community’s rich history and modern-day leanings have both been defined by a series of economic boom-and-bust cycles, but has managed to largely shaken off the stigma of urban decay. And although Harlem has existed as one of the most celebrated names in black American culture, the trend lines of diversity, identity and cultural expression have been moving for decades. As reported in the New York Times a few years ago, African-Americans are no longer the majority of the population in greater Harlem.
    [Show full text]
  • The Semiotics of Soul Food: Frommer’S, Fried Chicken and the Afro-Fusion Delights of Harlem
    CTPIJTW JAN ’15 | 4(1) The Semiotics of Soul Food: Frommer’s, Fried Chicken and the Afro-fusion Delights of Harlem Monique Taylor Abstract Faded family photos place me in Harlem as early as the mid-1960s when, as a girl, I made the suburban to urban trek each summer with my family in our wood-paneled station wagon. Harlem to me then meant deciphering the Southern roots transplanted north of my Aunt Skeeter and Uncle Tyrone. In the morning the adults would plot the downtown explorations of our New York travels over plates of eggs, country ham, grits and biscuits. I continued these visits to see relatives in Harlem well into my twenties when I was a college student at Yale. After long weekends of study and sightseeing, I was packed off on the train back to New Haven with foil wrapped packages of chicken and greens and mac and cheese. Decades later when I made gentrification in Harlem the subject of ethnographic field work, I connected my family’s Harlem experience to that of many of the black migrants who had made their way to Harlem in waves going back to the early 1900s bringing with them a distinct food culture that can be traced to the ends of a far-flung set of geographic roots in Africa, the Caribbean and the American south. These days it is clear that uptown gentrification threatens what folklorists and anthropologists would term the “foodways of Harlem.” From a plate of reimagined fried chicken on a bed of grits to fusion cuisine that serves up sides like afro-Asian collard green salad, my travel to Harlem in the summer of 2014 brought me face to face with these changing foodways in ways I have yet to fully digest.
    [Show full text]