​PROGRESS. POWER. PEACE.
REFLECTIONS: THE EVOLUTION OF HARLEM - FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO GENTRIFICATION
This section of our story explores Harlem from the Renaissance of the 20s to its hundredth anniversary that we celebrate currently, often referred to as Harlem's Second Renaissance 2020. This time line reflects important moments in the life of this village's rise and transformation: 'Up from Slavery'--African Americans finally being allowed to live within its boundaries; through the struggles of the Black Power Movement; to the faces and the issues that dominate of modern day Harlem--Gentrification, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the need to heal or re-define the relationship between the police and the Harlem community.
THE SOUNDS OF HARLEM
Relevant Music, 1920 - 2020:
The Sounds
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From Gospel to Conga Drums, from Battle Cries (We Shall Overcome, Say it Loud) to Jazz, from Lindy Hop to the Harlem Shake...
  • To be Young, Gifted and Black -- Nina Simone 
  • Say it Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud -- James Brown 
  • Lift Every Voice and Sing -- James Weldon Johnson 
  • The Last Poets
  • America -- Ray Charles 
  • Whitney Houston's rendition of the National Anthem
  • Through the Fire -- Chaka Khan​
THE WORDS OF HARLEM
Must-Read Books:
  • Parable of the Sower -- Octavia Butler
  • Invisible Man -- Ralph Ellison
  • Down These Mean Streets -- Piri Thomas
  • Manchild in the Promised Land -- Claude Brown
VISIONS OF HARLEM 
FEATURE:​ "Harlem, a letter home" by fellow alumnus Sekou Sundiata.
More Images and videos to come...
THE STYLE OF HARLEM
Images and videos to come...

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Photos by Michael J. Palma