Harlem Week

Harlem Week

August

Sponsored by the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Harlem Week is the largest cultural festival in the United States. Participation in Harlem Week and its associated events is estimated to exceed two million people. The festival honors the unique history and importance of the Harlem neighborhood in New York City. This area was the site of an important flourishing in African-American culture known as the Harlem Renaissance during the early 20th century. The Harlem Renaissance marked the emergence of African Americans into the mainstream of the nation's art, music, literature, and culture while simultaneously proclaiming the unique vitality and character of the African-American experience.
When it originated in 1974, Harlem Week was conceived as a single day's celebration of the area's cultural contributions, and sought to revitalize interest in and recognition of the neighborhood's important past. Though the activities have expanded to encompass a wide range of sports, music, and educational events, Harlem Day remains the most important and event-filled day of the month-long celebration. A street fair, including performance stages, marketplace booths, and food vendors, is located on West 135th Street, and the rich musical heritage of the area is commemorated in numerous performances featuring swing, jazz, Latin, gospel, hip hop, reggae, R&B, and blues music. In addition, the festival includes history tours, fashion shows, an all-star basketball game, a youth tennis tournament, a college fair, a health fair, a children's festival, a senior citizens' party, and an auto show.

CONTACTS:
Harlem Week
200A W. 136th St.
New York, NY 10030
212-862-7200; fax: 212-862-8745
harlemweek.harlemdiscover.com

SOURCES:
AAH-2007, 203