Rapper McGruff Sticks to Harlem Roots

The summer heat brings a new energy to the Harlem atmosphere. Whether it is the start of street basketball tournaments or a variety of outdoor concerts, the neighborhood is buzzing with activity. These attractions make Harlem a dynamic community that it is known worldwide. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to…

Janee’s Canon: Tyehimba with a Harlem Hustler

The only way to describe Agyei Tyehimba’s Game Over: The Rise and Transformation of a Harlem Hustler is to say that it is an eye opening experience. There is so many great things about this book that the only way to do it justice would be to write a ten page paper on it with…

Dr. Jeff Gardere on VH1’s “Dad Camp”

Last Father’s Day, President Obama challenged young men to step up as fathers, asking them to recognize that their “responsibility does not end at conception.” VH1 and 3 Ball Productions are taking that call to heart with the new series “Dad Camp,” which tasks a small group of young fathers-to-be to step up and become…

Alicia Keys Is Pregnant!

Big news from Alicia Keys: she’s going to be a mom! Following much speculation, a rep for the Grammy winner confirms to UsMagazine.com that Keys, 29, and producer beau Swizz Beatz are expecting a baby and are engaged to be married later this year. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to…

AIDS, Identity And Legacy In Contemporary Gay History

By Tod Roulette In 1986, I was a fledging openly gay black man on an overwhelmingly white college campus in the Midwest. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Harlem World Magazine. (You can unsubscribe anytime)Constant Contact Use.…

Walter’s World: Ailey II at the Joyce

By Walter Rutledge The 1,2,3 Festival at the Joyce Theatre presented three dance companies over twelve days. Ailey II, Taylor 2 and ABT II took to the stage on alternating days, and on the weekends splitting matinee and evening performances (a testament to the professionalism of the Joyce Theatre staff and crew). Following a shared…

Walter’s World: Abdel Salaam- A Force of Nature (correction)

By Walter Rutledge The great dancer and groundbreaking choreographer Martha Graham said, “It takes ten years to make a mature dancer”. Nikita Talin of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo added “And twenty to make a choreographer.” At first glance this statement may seem extreme, considering our present environment of immediate gratification. To become a…

Does This Bus Stop at 125h Street? #3 & #4

By Richard Daub This is part three and four in a six part series. Photo of the tour guide. I was also curious about what the outside perception of Harlem. Having grown up on Long Island in the 1980s, Harlem was simply a place that you did not go. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for…

Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919) was an African-American businesswoman, hair care entrepreneur and philanthropist. She made her fortune by developing and marketing a hugely successful line of beauty and hair products for black women, under the company she founded, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for…

Still Got It by Nicole M. Stevenson

Clifton Davis From his early days working with Pearl Bailey on Broadway in Hello Dolly, acting along side Sidney Poitier, in Lillies of the Field and Alan Alda in The Apple Tree. Clifton Davis has lived a life not short of talent and full of spirit. The songwriter, actor, husband, and his Grammy Award with…

Pure Energy: The Feeling That’s Familiar

Thinking back to last summer a few universal memories come to mind. Michael Phelps helping put swimming on the map. A candidate who advocated change proceeded to redraw the electoral map. And when a certain Vice Presidential candidate said she could see Russia from her front porch, it was clear Sarah Palin should have consulted…

Disney’s First Black Princess

  By: Dontré L. Conerly Belle. Ariel. Jasmine. Chances are, you know these names as just a few of Disney’s magical princesses from such classic tales as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin. After 10 years, since it introduced Chinese warrior princess, Mulan, in 1998, the Disney royal court unveiled its first…

HW Picks: New Holiday Releases

New Music Picks By HW Music Editor Pro Paul Kim Join Paul Kim, the American Idol 2006 Top 12 Finalist on his musical serenade of love and admiration. PK’s debut international single “Trade It All” is produced by John The XVI. Allow this powerful singer/songwriter to impress you with his seasoned voice and entertain you…