“bringing content to life”
The Harlem Portfolio is a curated selection of crafted monthly salon series of events for our subscribers with our HWM Editors and/or HWM Partners, that align with each month’s theme from our Editorial Calendar for the company.
The Harlem Portfolio events echo partisan salons that have a rich history dating back to 17th-century France, where gatherings hosted by influential women like Madame de Rambouillet fostered literary and intellectual discussions. This tradition evolved globally, notably during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, with figures like A’Lelia Walker and Zora Neale Hurston hosting salons that became pivotal for Black cultural expression and artistic innovation.
Today, our intention for The Harlem Portfolio events is to continue to serve as vital forums for fostering ideas, art, music, literature, and conversational engagement across diverse cultural landscapes in Harlem.
They were and still are today designed to engage our audience, celebrate Harlem’s culture, and promote the content featured in our magazine.
The events can take the form:
- Talks and Panels: Discussions with thought leaders, artists, and influencers in Harlem.
- Art & Culture Exhibitions: Showcase the work of Harlem-based and inspired creatives.
- Editorial Features: Work exploring Harlem’s impact on fashion, music, literature, and social change.
- Networking Events: For artists, thinkers, and professionals to connect and collaborate.
The Harlem Portfolio Series (monthly)
January
“Harlemites of the Year”
- Theme: Recognizing and honoring Harlem of Fame Harlemites
- Activities: Awards Ceremony for Harlemites of the Year, with an intimate Panel Discussion with Featured Individuals and a Showcase of Local Achievements
- Venue: Iconic Harlem venue or community space partner.
February
“Harlem History”
- Theme: Exploring the rich historic Harlem Wine to Harlem Week
- Activities: Historical Tour of Harlem’s Landmarks, Wine Tasting featuring Harlem-based establishments, and paired with a conversation about History in Harlem
- Venue: Historical sites, local wine bar partners, and more.
March
“Women’s History Celebration“
- Theme: Immersing in Harlem’s Jazz History & Heritage
- Activities: Live Jazz Performances and Jam Sessions, Jazz History Talks and Film Screenings, and Jazz-inspired Cocktails and Food Pairings
- Venue: Jazz clubs, cultural partners, and more.
May
“Nightlife & Family Fun”
- Theme: Exploring Harlem’s vibrant Nightlife & Family Fun
- Activities: Nightlife Showcase with Live Music and Dance, Family Arts and Crafts Workshops, and wonderful Food Tasting from Harlem’s Nightlife Hotspots
- Venue: Nightclubs, family-friendly spaces partners, and more.
June
“Black Music Month & Wellness”
- Theme: Promoting Wellness through Music & Fitness
- Activities: Mini-Wellness Expo with Fitness Classes, Health Talks, Music Performances Celebrating Black Music Month, Cooking Demos, and talks.
- Venue: Fitness centers and outdoor spaces partner and more.
July
“Literary & Culinary Delights”
- Theme: Highlighting Harlem’s Literary & Culinary delights scene
- Activities: Harlem Writers Guild featuring local authors and publishers, hands-on Culinary Demonstrations and Tastings, Author Readings and Book Signings
- Venue: Bookstores and restaurant partners and more.
August
“Leaders, Legends & Trailblazers”
- Theme: Conversations with Harlem Week’s Leaders, Legends & Trailblazers
- Activities: Symposium with leadership talks from Technology, to Fashion, showcasing Harlem designers and Technology pros working and living in Harlem
- Venue: Event spaces and tech partner.
September
“Arts, Culture & Fashion Week”
- Theme: Celebrating Harlem’s Arts, Culture & Fashion Week Talk
- Activities: Art Exhibitions featuring Harlem artists, mini-Fashion Week Shows and Pop-up Shops, and Health and Fitness Activities promoting wellness
- Venue: Galleries, fashion venues, outdoor spaces partner, and more.
October
“Harlem Fashion Week & Wellness”
- Theme: Showcasing Harlem’s fashion and raising health awareness
- Activities: Fashion Week Events highlighting Harlem designers, Health and Wellness Roundtable and Screenings, and a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
- Venue: Fashion venues health partners and more.
November
“Restaurant & Bars”
- Theme: Exploring Harlem’s culinary scene
- Activities: Talks with Top Harlem Chefs and Mixologists and Restaurant Tours & Tastings with Cocktail Workshops tastings and the annual HWM Festival for HWM Cares/HYPE Fundraiser after party.
- Venue: Restaurants and bars partner and more.
December
“Harlem Holiday Festivities”
- Theme: Celebrating Harlem’s holiday traditions and community spirit
- Activities: Mini-Holiday Market featuring Harlem artisans and vendors, intimate Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Performances and Kwanzaa celebration
- Venue: Community venue featured partners and more.
Event Promotion and Logistics
- Promotion: We utilize the magazine’s digital platform and social media channels to promote each event.
- Collaborations: We partner with Harlem businesses, organizations, and artists to enhance the event experience.
- Ticketing: We offer online ticket sales and registrations for each event.
- Community Engagement: We encourage reader participation and community involvement through contests, giveaways, and interactive elements.
The Harlem Portfolio series is to create a curated, high-quality collection of dynamic and immersive experiences. We want to strengthen community connections and promote Harlem’s rich culture throughout the year.
If you have any questions or would like to sponsor us and/or host a Harlem Portfolio event contact us.
Photo credit: The Harlem Renaissance leaders, legends, and trailblazers traveling (date uncertain).