Harlem Week Celebrates 50th Anniversary, Honoring Pioneers On Senior Citizens Day 2024

In honor of HARLEM WEEK 50^th Anniversary the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to those that paved the way during its annual NYC Senior Citizen Day.

Presented in partnership with New York State Office of General Services, the festive, well-attended event took place Friday, August 6, 2024, at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building in Harlem. 

Sponsored by Chase, H&M, New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, New York State Assemblywoman Inez Dickens, Mount Sinai, NAACP, NYC Health + Hospital: Harlem; MetroPlus Health Plan; New York Urban League, the expansive day began with a welcome from Winston Majette, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Stephanie Francis, HARLEM WEEK Founding Member who chairs New York City Senior citizen’s Day.  who thank the elder statesmen and women from coming out. 

As its tradition, attending elders were treated to a fun-filled day that included a live spirited performance from songstress Petula Beckles, and an energetic workout clinic presented by New York Road Runners. A variety of clinicians and health care providers were on hand to administer free health, and wellness screenings and attendees received plenty of resources from city, state, local agencies, community business organizations, and local small businesses.

In addition to the live entertainment, elders were also treated to a virtual Hat Fashion Showcase featuring chic crowns from local hat designers. 

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The Fire Department of New York City in concert with FDNYC Foundation and Pro Films treated the attending seniors to a special screening of “The First: Fire Commissioner Robert O. Lowery’s Story,” a documentary depicting the life and career of Commissioner Lowery, the FDNY’s first Black Fire Commissioner.   

Elected and appointed officials dropped by to bestow gratitude and support. They included U.S.re Congressman Adriano Espaillat, NY State Senator Cordell Cleare, who chairs New York State Senate Committee on Aging. Courtney Bennet, Director for New York County District Attorney Alvin Braggs, brought greetings and a timely message on the uptick in elder abuse. 

“Our office is here for you” shared Bennett. “You are not alone.”  

According to the US Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Aging, elder abuse has risen 84% since 2020. 

In celebration of HARLEM WEEK 50^th Anniversary, nearly 50 different events, and activities took place. If you missed any of them, or want to relive the experience, many are available on demand via http://harlemweek.com/replay-2024/    HARLEM WEEK vintage footage and promotions from the past decades are also available via https://harlemweek.com/flashback/  and a book capturing Harlem’s historic past is available via https://harlemweek.com/foreverharlem/ 

Photo credit: 1) (l to r) Winston Majette, HARLEM WEEK Board Member; Acting New York City Fire Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer; Stephanie Francis, James Harding, Jr., FDNY Deputy Commissioner; Tina McCrae, HARLEM WEEK Board member; Dietrice Bolden, HARLEM WEEK Board Member. 2) NYC Road Runners stretch clinic had all the seniors up on their feet for fitness. 3) (l to r) Charles Powell, Senior Program Officer, Greater Harlem Housing Development Corporation; US Congressman Adriano Espaillat; HARLEM WEEK Founder Stephanie Frances & Voza Rivers. 4) The day included a stellar performance from MTA Music Under New York performer Petula Beckles. 5) Touro College was one of several attending healthcare providers offering screenings .