Chaka Khan – The Color Purple – Theater – New York Times

The Many Shades of Chaka Khan, Now in ‘Purple’Chaka Khan begins performing as the sassy, fearless Sofia in “The Color Purple” on Jan. 9.  For more details: Chaka Khan – The Color Purple – Theater – New York Times.

Trojan Women, Jan 10-Feb 10

The Classical Theatre of Harlem & Harlem Stage Present TROJAN WOMEN, the First Collaboration Between the Two Harlem-Based Theaters Adapted and Directed by Alfred Preisser Original Score by Musical Director Kelvyn Bell Choreography by Tracy Jack January 10-Feburary 10, 2008 The Harlem Stage Gatehouse New York, NY (December 20, 2007)—The OBIE, Drama Desk and Lortel… [Read more…]

The Scoop:Baldwin’s Harlem, Sleeping with the Enemy and Faith in East Harlem

A new book by Herb Boyd called “Baldwin’s Harlem” explores James Baldwins’ evolving relationship with Harlem over the years. {Jordan Falls News} Leave the politics outside the door when you visit this Harlem couple. The husband works for Senator Clinton while the wife works for Obama. {New York Times} This East Harlem mom keeps her… [Read more…]

Weekend Reading

City Program Will Place Young Adults in Paid Internships -  The New York Sun East Harlem Housing Rally – NY Daily News   Street star adjusts to USI – Evansville Courier Press The Angels of 191st Street – New York Times The Lives They Lived  – New York Times Thanks for the links, Narmer. 

The Scoop: New Year’s Eve/Day(ish)

Do you know what you’ll be doing for your last night of 2007 or your first day of 2008? Well, below are some sites with a few ideas. Also, check out your local religious institutions to find some uplifting ways to bring in the  new year. New York Magazine has a guide that offers everything… [Read more…]

The Lives They Lived – Ernest C. Withers – Photography

Ernest C. Withers | b. 1922 The Eye on the PrizeBy HANK KLIBANOFF Published: December 30, 2007 Ernest C. Withers had not been a Memphis police officer very long when he saw the limits of his power. In 1948, he became one of the first nine black police officers hired by the city. They were… [Read more…]

NYSC New Harlem Location

NYSC just announced the opening of a new club in Harlem at 115th and 5th Avenue.  This will be the club’s third Harlem facility. Read more here. If you go by there, tell us how it is!

SUSAN L. TAYLOR TO LEAVE ESSENCE

SUSAN L. TAYLOR TO LEAVE ESSENCE: Editorial Director steps down after nearly 17 years at magazine. (December 27, 2007)*Susan L. Taylor, the current editorial director of Essence magazine, will leave the publication next month to focus more attention on building her Essence Cares mentoring program, reports Richard Prince’s Journal-isms column. EURweb.com – SUSAN L. TAYLOR… [Read more…]

The Scoop: Jacob Lawrence Exhibit Review, Jail for Politicians, Prison Visitor or Inmate? and Graffiti Haters

The New York Times reviews the Jacob Lawrence exhibits at The Whitney and at Harlem’s Triple Candie. {New York Times} This letter to the editor about Columbia’s expansion suggests building a “Quid Pro Quo Penitentiary for Unrepentant Politicians.” {New York Sun} Being in prison is hard. Visiting someone is prison is no walk in the… [Read more…]

Environmental Leadership in Harlem

Earlier this week, Manhattan received the 2007 award for Smart Growth Achievement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and Sheena Wright of the Abyssinian Development Corporation accepted the award during a ceremony at Thurgood Marshall Academy. The EPA regional administrator praised Harlem in particular as a leader in environmentally sustainable… [Read more…]

The Scoop: Crime is Way Down, Harlem or the Bronx and Jacob Lawrence

The City kickstarts this year’s Operation Impact (a crime reduction program), by holding a press conference at Harlem’s 28th precinct, an area with three homicides this year as opposed to over 100 homicides in previous years. {New York Times} This couple thought they wanted to buy a brownstone in Harlem, but then figured out they… [Read more…]

Le Perle Noire is “Unofficially” Open

The owner of Le Perle Noir (corner of Lenox and 131st) has the below message for U.F. readers. This is from the other post on this cafe/bakery, but I thought I’d give it its own post. If you run by there, be sure to tell us about your visit. Hi all, I wanted to let… [Read more…]

The Scoop: Columbia Expansion, Generous New Yorkers and Frugal (and not so frugal) Politicians

Nick Sprayregen wrote an article for today’s New York Post about what he calls Columbia’s “land grab.” {New York Post} The New York Times looks at Columbia’s expansion from the angle of what other Ivy League institutions are doing. {New York Times} Here’s a feel-good article about the giving spirit of New Yorkers during the… [Read more…]

The Scoop:Happy Holidays, a Christmas Miracle, TV One’s Favorite Things

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! A Harlem family was saved from a fire early this morning. {New York Post} Here’s a profile of Jordi Reyes-Montblanc, the outgoing chair of Community Board 9 in West Harlem. {City Limits} Giuliani read to Halrm children yesterday at Hale House and insisted to reporters that he does not have cancer. {Newsday} A… [Read more…]

Jazz great Oscar Peterson dies | CJAD

Source: CJAD. Jazz great Oscar Peterson dies Mon, 2007-12-24 12:35. Richard DeschampsMontreal-born jazz pianist Oscar Peterson has died. During his half-century career, he’s played with such jazz giants as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins and Ella Fitzgerald…among others…and is regarded as one of the finest jazz pianists of… [Read more…]

The Scoop: Mult-Million Dollar Poop, Homeless in NY, Fancy Subway Stations and the Warm and Fuzzies

Lenox Terrace doorman is awarded $6 million after a slipped on bird poop and fell down some stairs {New York Post} A homeless Dominican family finds refuge at a Harlem Shelter. The New York Times has set up a way for you to help this family and others like them. {New York Times} Some subway… [Read more…]

Sponsor Spotlight: Architectural Columns

Thank you for your support of this site!   Architectural Columns

Winter Restaurant Week 2008

NYC & Company Annouces Winter Restaurant Week 2008   —Promotion Offers Diners Prix-Fixe $24.07 Lunches and $35 Dinners  at more than 220 of New York City’s Top Restaurants—   New York, NY (December 20, 2007)—NYC & Company today announced NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2008—two weeks of dining deals for New Yorkers and visitors. From January… [Read more…]

Weekend Reading: Hair Wars, Tough Travels, Harlem Rent Strike and Black Hockey Players

This is hair! There’s a new coffee table book called Hair Wars and it’s all about these over the moon hairstyles stylists come up with for black hair trade shows. Okay, this is not really about Uptown, but it’s fun and interesting. Narmer sent me this info and I thought I’d post it…especially since I’m… [Read more…]

Weekend Guide: Go Shopping!

Go on, get to it. You still have some shopping to do, so go ahead and get it over with. Have a great weekend! Oh and check out today’s “Another Scoop” if you’re needing some ideas.

Another Scoop: Happy Holidays

Got any New Year’s Eve plans yet? Here are a couple ideas. {GreasyGuide}   Here are some last minute gift ideas if you’re shopping Harlem. {Amsterdam News}   CNN has a few safety tips for you as you trudge home with your bags of gifts. {CNN}   Stuff to do over the holiday season. {New… [Read more…]

The Scoop: Duh, Where is Marble Hill?, Pre-K for New Yorkers and Manhattanville’s Nick

This will be shocking news to all of you, but Harlem is changing. {USA Today} Geography quiz time! Is Marble Hill considered to be part of Manhattan or part of the Bronx? You think you know. Find out what the courts say. {New York Post} Governor Spitzer’s idea to give every child a free pre-k… [Read more…]

Museum of the City of New York January Calendar

Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street 212.534.1672 www.mcny.org   For reservations and program information: (212) 534-1672, ext. 3395     JANUARY   Saturday • January 5 • 2 PM Gallery Talk: John Sloan’s New York   Sean Corcoran, Curator of Prints and Photographs, will lead a special tour… [Read more…]

Holiday Donations for St. Nicholas Park

Dear Friends, The Friends of St. Nicholas Park wishes you and your family a safe and wonderful holiday season. We want to thank you for helping to make our beautiful park one of the city’s best in 2007. In 2008, we are planning to have a lot more events in the park including a concert… [Read more…]

Another Scoop: G’Day Harlem, Mini Exercise Mogul, Harlem’s Jewish Renaissance and the “Ultimate” Price for a Harlem Condo

The Spanish Harlem Orchestra visits Australia. {Sydney Morning Herald} A 13-year-old Harlemite has released an exercise DVD for kids. {Power Home Biz} Apparently, Harlem’s Jewish Renaissance is going on right now. {Chabad} We’ve told you about that $8.5 million “ultimate bachelor pad” at 111 Central Park North before. Well, it is still under contract for… [Read more…]

The Scoop:City Council Approves Columbia Expansion

On Wednesday, the City Council voted to approve Columbia’s expansion, 35 to 5 with 6 abstentions and 5 absences. Click below to read coverage from various publications. The New York Sun article focuses on the possibility of an eminent domain battle in the works. {New York Times}  {NewsDay}  {Columbia Spectator}  {New York Post}  {New York… [Read more…]

Meet Mary J. Blige Dec. 20th at Carol’s Daughter

Harlem Honeys and Bears 5th Annual Dance January 11th

Harlem Honeys and Bears Presents it’s 5th Annual Dance at the Alhambra Ballroom Featuring The Prince of Harlem “Lonnie YoungBlood “ January 11, 2008 Time: 8PM-1AM -Corner of 126 Street & Adam C. Powell Blvd. $40 in advance $45 @ the door Semi Formal*Cash Bar*Complimentary Refreshments Ticket information call Luther Gales 212 926 6211 &… [Read more…]

The Scoop: Columbia Expansion, Don Imus and East Harlem Sittin’ in a Tree and Plans for More Uptown Veggies

Columbia and the West Harlem Local Development Corporation have agreed to a community benefits agreement worth about $150 million. Both sides are expected to sign this morning in advance of today’s possible City Council vote. {Columbia Spectator} The New York Post’s editorial on the Columbia Expansion asserts that some of the worries about the plan… [Read more…]

Bills Favoring Tenants, Landlords Spark Debate Over Rights of Each- New York Sun

Bills Favoring Tenants, Landlords Spark Debate Over Rights of EachBy BENJAMIN SARLIN Special to the Sun December 18, 2007 Two competing bills pertaining to tenant and landowner harassment are dividing the City Council and sparking debate about how to balance the rights of the two groups. Bills Favoring Tenants, Landlords Spark Debate Over Rights of… [Read more…]

City Council Trickery about the Columbia Expansion?

UPDATE: The City Council vote on Columbia is today, Dec 19th at 1:30 pm. Columbia Spectator Rumor has it, the City Council will be voting on the Columbia Expasion plan this Wednesday as opposed to the January date that had initially been circulated. An activist group called The Coalition to Preserve Community sent out an… [Read more…]

CharlieThings Distinctive Jewelry Sale

  Happy Holidays Join Cassandra, Charlie & Karen for our Annual Holiday Sale All apparel, household items, jewelry, notecards, paintings, pins, prints and drawings are available for sale. price range $5 – $500 Saturday, December 22nd 2007 12 – 6pm Sunday, December 23rd, 2007 1 – 6pm 10 West 135th Street, #11P , Harlem NY… [Read more…]

Donations in Memory of St. Clair Bourne

If you wish to make a donation in memory of St. Clair Bourne please forward to BDC St. Clair Bourne fund and mail to: BDC PO BOX 610 Hamilton Grange Station New York NY 10031 In the memo line please write BDC/St Clair Bourne Fund Voza Rivers Chairman Harlem Arts Alliance

The Scoop: Jena 6 Sellout?, Hip Hop Soda Shop, Harlem eh and Senior Volunteers

Did Mychal Bell (Jena 6) sell out by accepting a plea deal? Alton Maddox thinks so. {Black Star News} Today is opening day for the Hip Hop Soda Shop…in Tampa, not Harlem. {Hip Hop Soda Shop} Canadians are looking for the “real” Harlem, eh. {Canadian Press} Harlem senior citizens have collected over 500 pounds of… [Read more…]

Omnicom pledges $1.25M to minority hiring- Crain’s New York Business.com

Omnicom, ad agency giant, will spend $1.25M over the next five years to increase minority hiring. Crain’s New York Business.com

St. Clair Bourne Dies at the Age of 64

Source: www.harlemworldmag.com Saturday, December 15, 2007 Bourne in Harlem St. Clair Bourne was born on February 16, 1943 in Harlem, New York. While attending Georgetown University in the 1960s, he became active in the peace movement and left college to join the Peace Corps. Stationed in Lima, Peru, Bourne became something of a local celebrity… [Read more…]

New Record for a Harlem Residence: $6.6 million

The “ultimate bachelor pad” at the Esquire is in the contract phase for $8.5 million, but this Central Park facing gem is temporarily holding the title for highest closing price for a Harlem residence with a hefty $6.6 million price tag. Read more here. Thanks for the link, Narmer.

Seneca Village Tour December 23

Seneca Village, a 19th century African American community in what is now Central Park, can be toured via the Central Park Conservancy on December 23rd. The tour is one hour long and begins at 11:00 am. For more information about the tour, visit the Central Park Conservancy website. This New York Times story from 10… [Read more…]

The Scoop: Thug Snacks, Student Loan Slavery and A Slap on the Wrist

Would you like some “thug snacks?” How about some King Pin Premium Lager Beer? Yeah, New York City Councilman Leroy G. Comrie Jr. doesn’t find it too appetizing either. {New York Times} A black, college-educated professional is suing Columbia University and Citibank for subjecting low-income college students to “modern day slavery” with exorbitent interest rates… [Read more…]

Dinner Discount at Billie’s Black

DURING THE HARLEM FOR THE HOLIDAY DAYS EVENTS, COME STOP BY BILLIE’S BLACK AND RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT DINNER!!!!! ENJOY HER FAMOUS CATFISH STRIPS, MAC & CHEESE, COLLARD GREEN, BANANA PUDDING AND MANY OTHER DELICIOUS DISHES!!!! OFFER VALID ONLY WITH THE BELOW FLYER!!! LAST DAY OF THE SPECIAL OFFER IS DECEMBER 24. NOTE- THE BELOW… [Read more…]