As the summer days begin to wind down, neighborhoods, block-parties and communities begin to turn up and celebrate the heritage that makes them unique.  This is no different, as the community of Harlem celebrates during the annual Harlem Week celebration in New York City.  Culminating on Sunday, August 17th this year, Harlem Day is a 2-day event in which blocks of 135th from St. Nicholas to Lenox avenue is blocked from traffic and turned into a bazaar of food, entertainment, wares and more.  WBLS and Hot 97 serves as masters of entertainment with DJs, Musical performances and autograph signings throughout the event, plus hosted performers like R&B crooner Tank as well as Erica Campbell of the gospel duo Mary Mary.  Throughout my time at the hosted event, there are just a few things I learned about Harlem U.S.A during Harlem week and you’ll be surprised of what you might learn about the ever evolving and gentrified, community below.

 

1.  Harlem Day has plenty of Arts & Crafts

 

 

 

 

2.  Tourists still love the black Harlem experience.

 

 

 

 

3.  Some vendors are delusional about pricing for wares and/or services.

 

 

4.  Harlem vendors LOVE to sell ice tea (and flavored lemonade)…

 

 

5.  You can always find apparel with a message of motivation or action in Harlem.

 

 

 

 

Bonus:  In Harlem… we LOVE to dance!  No matter the method or the music!

 

 

 

 

Did you get a chance to check out Harlem Week in NYC?  Are you looking forward to what’s to come during next year’s Harlem Week celebration?  Share your thoughts below.