Author: tourist_yp6g7u

Harlem Week began 50 years ago as a one-day event called Harlem Day. The goals were building a sense of community and bolstering the local economy. It was so successful that subsequent events were held over more days. Now, as Harlem Week ushers in its golden anniversary, it is a highly anticipated annual summer event (lasting a bit longer than a week) celebrating the best of Harlem’s people, history, and culture through a variety of events and discussions. Here are some of the events happening during this year’s Harlem Week, starting on August 7.

August 7

6 p.m., Climate Change Conference

Climate change, which can already be felt by all New Yorkers in warmer average temperatures compared to years ago, is poised to have a disproportionate impact on the Black community. In recognition of this fact, the Columbia Climate School and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce are putting on their Climate Change Conference for the third year, to discuss the threat it poses and solutions to neutralize some of its effects. (Adam Clayton Powell Office Building)

August 8

4 p.m., Uptown Night Market

Made for food lovers and food adventurers, this annual event is a celebration of global cuisines from a plethora of food vendors, punctuated by cultural and family activities. (701 W. 133rd Street, https://www.maschospitalitygroup.com/uptownnightmarket) 

7 p.m., Indoor/Outdoor Film Festival

With screenings through August 18, this film series features films made in and around Harlem. Harlem Historic Tours will introduce some of the films and provide info about their history and connection to Harlem. Featured film will be “Black Nativity,” starring Angela Bassett, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Hudson. (Location TBD)

August 9

10 a.m., Senior Citizens Day

The day’s events include health demonstrations, health testing, performances, exhibits, the Demystifying Technology panel, the Senior Hat Fashion Show, and more. (Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Office Building)

August 10

7 a.m., Summer Streets

A day of non-stop fun where attendees come together for biking, walking, running, jumping, meditating, skipping, skating, dancing, and live music! (109th Street and Park Avenue–125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.)

5 a.m. start, Harlem 5K Run and Walk and Children’s Run

For some New Yorkers, this marathon is second only to the New York City Marathon. Sponsored by New York Road Runners and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, it has attracted runners and walkers from all over the world. (W. 135th Street)

7 p.m., Great Jazz on Great Hill

Jazzmobile and the Central Park Conservancy Present “Great Jazz On The Great Hill” featuring performances from internationally acclaimed artists. Attendees are encouraged to sing along and kick up their heels. (Central Park Great Hill, 103rd–107th Streets)

August 11

12 noon–7 p.m., Great Day in Harlem

The International Village opens, with vendors and exhibitors of arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, unique accessories, international foods, and more. Entertainment from the stage is presented in four segments: Artz, Rootz, & Rhythm, featuring local, community, and emerging performers of varying genres; the Gospel Caravan, with local, national, and international performers; AFRIBEMBE, presented by the Caribbean Cultural Center, a celebration of the diaspora, tracing the journey from Africa through the Caribbean and to Harlem; and Concert Under the Stars, featuring national and international performers backed by the Harlem Music Festival All-Star Band, led by “Music Director to the Stars” Ray Chew. (Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial, Riverside Drive)

August 12

10 a.m.–3 p.m., Children’s Conference and Hackathon

The Children’s Conference presents panel discussions by and for young adults, exploring issues of importance to them. The Hackathon is a contest for middle and high school students to come up with technological solutions to some of the issues from the panels, with presentation of prizes to winners. (Location TBD)

August 13

12 noon–3 p.m., Economic Development Day

Small-business owners, representatives from corporations, and political representatives come together for discussions about community development, economic development & diversity, and Technology & Cyber-security. (Location TBD)

3–5 p.m., Arts and Culture/Broadway Summit

Black talent has always played a pivotal role behind and in front of the scene in arts and culture, enriching culture and economy significantly. This summit features conversations with actors, producers, directors, and those behind the scenes in the theater industry. (Location TBD)

August 14

7:30–8 p.m., Harlem on My Mind

This series of conversations runs through August 15 and features a range of topics germane to Harlem history, culture, and community by “Harlem-inspired” thought leaders. (Location TBD)

10 a.m.–4 p.m., Jobs and Careers Fair

More than 40 companies representing banking & finance, city services, climate, construction, education, health, hospitality, restaurants, technology, transportation, and more will be ready to meet and greet prospective employees. Career development workshops will be featured. RSVP at:  https://bit.ly/ghcc2024jobsandcareerfair. (CCNY, 160 Convent Avenue)  

August 15

9 a.m.–3 p.m., Black Health Matters Summer Health Summit and Expo

Health professionals and patient advocates will share stories of perseverance and resilience, and offer strategies to leverage science and technology to benefit your health. Free health screenings, prizes. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. (Alhambra Ballroom)

6–9:45 p.m., Banking and Finance for Small Business and Entrepreneurs

Industry experts will offer advice and tips for maximizing profit. (Chase Community Bank, 55 W. 125th Street)
For more info, visit https://harlemweek.com/.

The post A selection of Harlem Week 2024 events to enjoy appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

Three years after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics began on July 23, 2021, 12 months after its originally scheduled start date due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 17-day Paris Olympics commences tomorrow with the traditional spectacular opening ceremony. It is the third time the City of Light has hosted the Olympics adding to the 1900 and 1924 stagings. 

For the first time since its inception at the 1908 London Olympics, the Parade of Nations—where athletes stride into a venue wearing their country’s matching outfit in a collective display of unity and sportsmanship—will not be held in a stadium. Instead, the procession will take place on the 3.7 mile Seine River route, with competitors being feted while floating on boats and reciprocating to the adoring crowd in what Paris Olympics organizers are promising to be the largest opening ceremonies in the game’s history dating back to the first modern Olympics in Athens, Greece in 1896. Over 300,000 spectators are expected to attend the opening ceremony.

NBA icon LeBron James will be a pioneer as the first men’s basketball player to be the United States’ flag bearer, as selected by his nearly 600 fellow Team USA Olympians. U.S. Open tennis champion Coco Gauff will be the female flag-bearer for Team USA. This will be James’s fourth time playing for the U.S. squad, helping them win gold in 2008 and 2012, and earning a bronze as 19-year-old in 2004.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on a global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the world together,” said the now 39-year-old, four-time NBA champion and all-time leading scorer last weekend upon being informed of the honor.

“For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations.”

The Paris Olympics is replete with some of the most legendary athletes in history such as James and gymnast Simone Biles, the 27-year-old, Columbus, Ohio native widely viewed as the best ever. She has seven Olympic medals, including four golds, and 23 World Championship gold medals. Yet by the time the closing ceremony ends the Games on August 11, new worldwide stars are certain to have emerged on the sports and cultural landscape. 

The post With its traditional pomp and pageantry, the Summer Olympics open in Paris appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here