Atelier Pronovias, with its haute couture line Pronovias, has set a new standard in bridal fashion from Harlem to L’Hospitalet De Llobregat. With its new collection for 2025, the most contemporary in its history and in the sector. This collection includes an innovative style proposal inspired by the city of Barcelona, featuring new volumes, patterns,…
Prenuptial agreements, once primarily associated with the wealthy and famous, are increasingly becoming a consideration for couples from all walks of life. In Harlem, a vibrant neighborhood rich in culture and history, the question of whether to consider a prenuptial agreement is one that many couples may face as they prepare for marriage. But what…
As part of Amref Health Africa’s 2024 ArtBall, the evening will feature a Contemporary African and Black art auction hosted by Sotheby’s. With art curated by Storm Ascher, Natalie Kates, Cierra Britton, Alexandra Scotland, and Nadia Nascimento, select donating artists include Hank Willis Thomas, Khalif Tahir Thompson, Adama Delphine Fawundu, Alex Anderson, Damien Davis, Genevieve Gaignard, Jamel…
By HWM In a strategic move to bolster mental health initiatives, Dr. H. Jean Wright II has been appointed as the Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Mental Hygiene within the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dr. Wright brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia…
In today’s fast-paced world, the modern workspace is evolving rapidly, reflecting the fusion of functionality and style. As professionals spend a significant portion of their day at their desks, the importance of ergonomic office furniture cannot be overstated. However, in parallel, there’s a growing appreciation for aesthetically pleasing designs that inspire creativity and enhance the…
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in Harlem will hold its 26th annual Blessing of the Bicycles service on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 9:00 am. This event, preceding Bike New York’s TD Five Boro Bike Tour, welcomes cyclists worldwide. Led by the Very Reverend Patrick Malloy, attendees will receive a blessing for…
The African presence in today’s Republic of Bolivia is very small compared to Colombia, Venezuela, or Brazil, but its tradition of defiance has been massive. As in all of the Americas, this African presence was the result of the horrific Transatlantic slave trade. One of the scholars of this history is Juan Angola Maconde. He is one of those people in the Americas who has two ethnic ancestral names: one is Angola, which comes from the name for the ancient leader of the Ndongo kingdom, the Ngola Kiluanje, from what is now the Republic of Angola; and Makonde, his second surname, derives from the Makonde ethnic group who are from the East African coast, from between Tanzania and Mozambique.
AmNews: Where were you born, and why do you have two surnames?
Juan Angola Maconde: I was born in the former Hacienda Dorado Chico, now known as the Comunidad Dorado Chico. It’s the ancestral Canton of La Concordia Arapata, in the city of Coripata, Nor Yungas province.
My surname, Angola, is “toponymic.” That means it tells the geographical area where the ancestors of my ancestors came from. And the name Maconde is the same. It’s the name of an ethnic group that specializes in wood carving, they are located between Tanzania and Mozambique.
AmNews: When did you seriously begin studying from a historical perspective?
J.A.M.: I have been studying the African presence in Bolivia since 1996, when I wrote a research paper entitled: “Collecting contemporary Afro Bolivian oral history.” That research had forced me to return to the community, where I “re-learned” what I had alienated myself from in the official educational system that denies our African presence; I went back to listen to our grandmothers and grandfathers, the guardians of the culture. This research and the act of retelling my community’s story as a historical subject led me to publish my first book: “Raíces de un pueblo, cultura afroboliviana” (Roots of a People, Afro Bolivian Culture) in 2000.
In this text, I talk about the origins of Afro Bolivian people, their traditions, their cultures, and their historical and contemporary struggles. The Afro Bolivian diaspora can be found throughout Bolivia, but especially in Las Yungas, La Paz, Santa Cruz, and a province called Inquisivi. The prefix Inquisivi comes from the west-central African name of the Nkisi, which are objects that serve as spiritual protectors of traditional families of the Congo.
In Bolivia, there is the tradition of El Rey Congo, located in Las Yungas, a traditionally Afro Bolivian area. The late legislator, Jorge Medina Barra, fought for the recognition of this tradition and the origin of the ancient Congo Día Ntotela in Bolivia, as well as the traditional Afro Bolivian Saya dance, which was internationally recognized as part of our national heritage in 2011, as was the Diabladas of Oruro dance, which takes place in a location where thousands of Africans were enslaved and exploited in the gold mines.
AmNews: What is the status of Afro Bolivians today?
J.A.M.: Currently, Afro Bolivians are relegated to the “social basement.” They face structural racism due to the existing colonial mentality of Bolivian society. The population and housing census was conducted on March 23 of this year; the results won’t be made public until November. But we know that there are an estimated 25,000 Afro Bolivians.
Part of the Afro Bolivian agenda for the next few years is: We hope to establish a headquarters and an Afro Bolivian Memorial Museum. We want to have an Afro Secretariat to help improve our representation and allow us to demand more access to power. As far as the issue of education is concerned, we are certain to fight for the visibility of the Afro Bolivian people in regionalized educational curricula.
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In the wake of unprecedented challenges—from the COVID-19 pandemic to global conflicts—our communities in Harlem are faced with pressing concerns that demand innovative solutions and collective action. As we navigate this complex landscape, one powerful tool emerges as essential: dialogue. By embracing meaningful conversations with empathy and openness, we can pave the way for healing,…
Thanks to our Editor-In-Chief, Lori Lakin Hutcherson, for reminding me that it April is Jazz Appreciation Month. So, to that end, I’ve assembled this collection of new and recent Jazz releases.
Most of these track have been released in 2024. None of them is older than five years old. These tracks encompass a wide range of styles and showcase the creativity and artistry of today’s jazz musicians.
This collection features rom compelling compositions to virtuosic performances, by the likes of Ulysses Owens Jr. and Generation Y, Marlon Simon, Lawrence Fields, Kandace Springs and so many others.
Jazz is a most truly American art form, its soulful and rich roots go back to the 1890s. Jazz Appreciation Month (fondly known as “JAM“) was created at Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2001.
According to their website, “to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April. JAM is intended to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz – to study the music, attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz, and more.” Works for me!!
The roots of jazz can be found in the blues and that is true of this playlist too. The journey of jazz started in the deep south along back roads, spread to nearly every city in America and eventually the world.
The variety and richness of jazz is on full display on with this collection. Enjoy JAM!
