View
465
Download
4
Category
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
I wrote an article on HIV in harlem a few years ago.
Citation preview
theCitizenA F O R U M F O R C E N T R A L H A R L E M
ambassador foot patrol. The increased light-
ing has been implemented, the handbook has
been published, and the ambassador foot
patrol is slated to begin in Spring 2004. The
final component—the CCTV web-based sur-
veillance system—has become a highly
charged issue.
One concern is residents’ civil liberties.
One resident, who preferred not to be named,
said that cameras on 125th send a bad signal
to community residents because they make
people feel violated. He also mentioned that
cameras invade the privacy of those who actu-
ally live on 125th Street.
The logistics surrounding the 125th
Street BID’s plans that have yet to be worked
out. According to Joseph Handy, co-chair of
the Uniformed Services Committee, specific
issues such as the number
of cameras and their loca-
tions haven’t been deter-
mined by the 125th Street
BID because Askins want-
ed to broach the issue with
CB10 before proceeding
with plans. However, the
meeting records also state
that the funding for the
hardware, which came
from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment
Zone, must be used by October 30, 2004.
Therefore, Handy is spearheading a
Community Board 10 sponsored public hear-
ing to get responses from residents to the
125th Street BID’s plan. The hearing will be
held at the Dempsey Center, 127 W. 127th
Street, January 26, 2004, at 6:30pm. Invited
guests will include a representative from the
125th Street BID, elected officials, business
owners on 125th Street, the police depart-
ment, and representatives from the NY
County District Attorney’s and New York
Civil Liberties offices.
In the meantime, the 125th Street BID
has been asked by the joint committees of
CB10 to “provide information about the effec-
tiveness of surveillance cameras in deterring
and preventing crime and guidelines for use
and monitoring of surveillance data.” Barbara
Askins, at 125th Street BID, could not be
reached for comment.■
The Citizen will have an update on this
issue in the January 2004 edition.
D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 3 F R E E
On November 18, 2003, the 125th
Street Business Improvement
District (BID) met with
Community Board 10’s (CB10) Uniformed
Services and Economic Development,
Technology, and Telecommunications
Committees to discuss their plans to place
surveillance cameras on this commercial strip.
According to records from the meeting,
BID—under the presidency of Barbara
Askins—met with CB10 to “explain to the
committees the limitations and controls on the
use of the surveillance systems in order to
allay fears about misuse and encroachment on
civil liberties.”
In an effort to garner support, Ms. Askins
mentioned that other BIDs, namely Fifth
Avenue, Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, and
Brooklyn’s MetroTech,
were using surveillance
cameras to enhance public
safety.
Joe Haslip, of the
NYC Comptroller’s
office, said that his office
had been asked to contact
these other BIDs to
inquire about the surveil-
lance system’s effective-
ness. “We’re looking into these BIDs’ imple-
mentation process, the position of their cam-
eras, and also questions like ‘Who’s viewing
the film?’ ‘How long is the film kept?’ ‘Who
has access to film?’ ‘Is there a relationship
with the local police precinct?’” Haslip said
that he expects to have findings within the
next couple of weeks.
This proposed plan by the 125th Street
BID is one part of a four-step public safety
program, which involves increased security
lighting, a safety education handbook, and an
PAGE 1 Public Safety on 125th StreetRead about the 125th Street BID’s public safe-
ty campaign and other initiatives on their website:http://www.125thstreetbid.com/; the office is locat-ed at 271 W 125th St.; hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM-5:00PM, Tel: 212-662-8999, Fax: 212- 233-7954.
Contact Community Board 10, 215 West125th St., Suite 340, Tel:212-749-3105, 212-662-4215
PAGE 3 Know Your HIV StatusGet free STD and HIV tests: the Central
Harlem Health Center at 2238 Fifth Avenue or theEast Harlem Health Center at 158 East 115thStreet. Or call 311 to find HIV services outside ofthese areas.
PAGE 3 Breast Examination Center Of Harlem
Get free screening services for breast and cervical
cancer at B.E.C.H located at163 West 125th Street, 4th
Floor, New York, NY 10027, 212-531-8000.
News to Use!News to Use!Welcome to the sixth edition of THE CITIZEN, a monthly newspaper producedby and for the residents of Central Harlem.Your neighbors created this publication with the hope that every-thing in it would be news you could use—especially to be informed about what’s happening in our com-munity and to become more active in the life of our community. We hope you will join us by participatingin this forum. Speak out, in your own voice, on issues close to your heart. Write in and suggest story ideasor subjects you want covered in this publication. Call and tell us what you like or don’t like about the paper.Volunteer to write, edit, or research articles; provide illustrations or photographs; work on the layout; or helpwith distribution. We look forward to hearing from you.
TE
LE
PHO
NE
or FAX
us at 212-876-5697 or EM
AIL
: theharlemcitizen@
yahoo.com, M
AIL
: P.O. B
ox 1588, New
York, N
Y10026
Install Surveillance Cameras on 125th?The Discussion Begins: Do The Ayes Have It?
By Glenda Johnson
SAVE THE DATE
January 26, 2004 6:30pm
Dempsey Center127 W. 127th Street
Discuss Plans For SurveillanceCameras on 125th Street
HAVEA
JOYOUSHOLIDAYSEASON
PAGE 2Photo in Editor’s Letter
The Painting is by Tree Williams@Triple Candie
461 W. 126th Street212-865-0783
PAGES 4-8
Support LocalArtists & Merchants
(photo: Holly’s eyes)
“It’s a Family Affair.” Do you remember that1971 hit by Sly and The Family Stone?Well, I was a little too young to actually
remember it, but I can recall my older brothers andsisters grooving to it. They all knew somebody whoreminded them of the family that Sly sang about.
That’s the feeling I get when walking up theboulevards in Harlem. No, this isn’t an all-things-are-lovely-and-positive-in-my-Harlem-village typetale. It’s my attempt to articulate exactly whatmakes Harlem so intimate.
It’s a father. Strong. Defiant. Bruised but notdefeated. The one who talks about the good oledays, and King, Kennedy, and Jesus. The one whoknows what must be done, and will break his back
to do it. The one who embodies both the rough-ness and smoothness of masculinity. The onewho’s always there ‘cause he knows the familystructure would be weaker if he was not around.
It’s a mother. Strong. Patient. Honest. Theone who’s loving and overbearing. The one whotakes care of things. The one who gives, and gives,and gives, and gives, and gives, and gives, andgives, and gives, and gives, and gives, and gives.The one who’ll take (but only her share). The onewho’s prudent.
It’s a grandmother: the one who’s old andold-fashioned. The one who’s wise. The one who’sstill making all that greasy food, even though thedoctor has told her many times that she’s got tocut back. The one who won’t listen. The one whosays that she’s been eating this way since the1930s and she’s not going to stop now. The onewho goes to church every Sunday with a Bible inher hand. The one who wears pretty hats. The onewho, when the temperature drops, pulls out herfurs.
It’s a grandfather: the one who’s old, but notold-fashioned. The one who still dances, and takesa little swig when the feeling hits him. The onewho’s a deacon—the faithful one. The one withthe biggest heart and the gentlest spirit. The one
THE CITIZEN office: 27 West 129th Street, New York, NY 10027Tel/fax: 212-876-5697Email: theharlemcitizen@yahoo.comhttp://www.theharlemcitizen.org
Publisher Kitty BarnesEditor-in-Chief Glenda JohnsonMarketing Manager Sherry EllerbeDesigner Daniella van Gennep
ContributorsValerie Jo BradleyJerry DomatobClymenza HawkinsMusa JacksonMartha Mae JonesShephard LeeHoney WalrondHashim Warren*All photos by Glenda Johnson, unless noted
AdvisorsNeighborhood Advisory Group, a collective of blockassociations, tenant associations, and community stake-holders, who work together to improve the quality oflife in Central Harlem.Marie Dutton BrownKeith FaulknerPaul Vincent HendricksPhyllis A. LodgeNicholas A. MotternA. VerdeTom Vitullo-Martin
SupportersEdna McConnell Clark FoundationGregory Pascal, Pascal Realty
Mission Statement
THE CITIZEN is a community newspaper pro-
duced by and for the residents of Central Harlem.
It is meant to serve as a public forum, providing
residents with a means to speak out, in their
own words, on issues of importance to them. Its
goal is to accurately and fairly report news, infor-
mation, and opinions of interest and concern to
the Harlem community and to advocate meas-
ures that will make life better for community resi-
dents.
The process of producing the paper is designed
to harness the existing talents and skills of
Harlem residents to help others develop and
improve their communication skills. We encour-
age Harlem residents to participate by sharing
story ideas; researching, writing, or editing arti-
cles; providing illustrations or photographs;
developing the layout; and assisting in distribu-
tion.
THE CITIZEN is your forum.
We hope you will use it.
From the Editor
theCitizenA F O R U M F O R C E N T R A L H A R L E M
2
Parting TimeBy Jerry Komia Domatob, Ph.d
Dr. Jerry Komia Domatob is a journalist,
author, poet, and writer. He is a professor of communications and has taught
in several universities. He lives in Harlem.
who talks about the war and remembers segrega-tion. The one who still reads the paper. The onewho’s been going to the same barber on the sameday for as long as he can remember. The one whostill makes his wife smile.
It’s an older brother: the one with the tattooof a panther on his arm; the one who wears aMalcolm X hat (from the Spike Lee movie), andhangs a red, black, and green flag above his bed.The one who’s a philosopher and politician. Theone who has read every book about every blackperson during every time period. The one whoalways talks about the days when we were kingsand queens. The one who’s the entrepreneur—theman with the plan.
It’s a sister: the one who complains about nothaving a man. The one who complains about allthe brothers being gay or in jail or with whitewomen. The one who complains about her job, herboss, her bank account, and her age.
It’s a younger brother: the one who rarely lis-tens. The one who’s too loud, too brash, and verynaïve. The one who makes you shake your head,but you love him anyway (even though sometimesyou want to knock him upside the head). The onewhom you embrace ‘cause you know he’s got somuch potential.
It’s an aunt: the one whom you could alwaystrust. The only one who still appreciates the blues.The one who swings to Smokey Robinson and theMiracles. The one who cusses a lot, but loves herman even more.
It’s an uncle: the one who still dresses in hisfurs and wears too much gold jewelry. The one whoswears up and down that he’s still the most stylishof them all. The one who takes care of business (allof his bizness). The one who always smells good.The one who loves to joke.
It’s a cousin—the traveler who embodies theentire universe. The one who has had a lot ofschooling and speaks several languages. The onewho’s comfortable “in her skin.” The one who hashad many loves; the one who has never forgottenwho or what is home. The one who walks like shebelongs on a fashion runway.
It’s a little sister—the beautiful one. The onewho’s sweet and innocent. The one whose long legsand natural hair will, one day, make them knock onher daddy’s door.
Do they sound familiar? If so, you know why.It’s Harlem. It’s a family affair, and we should givethanks.■
Glenda Johnson, editor-in-chief
ARTICLE DEADLINES
January 2004 issue - December 26February 2004 issue - January 12March 2004 issue - February 18
MAILING ADDRESS:
THE CITIZENMORNINGSIDE STATION
P.O. BOX 1588NEW YORK, NY 10026
TE
LE
PHO
NE
or
FAX
us
at 2
12-8
76-5
697
or E
MA
IL: t
heha
rlem
citiz
en@
yaho
o.co
m, M
AIL
: P.O
. Box
158
8, N
ew Y
ork,
NY
1002
6
But uphold ethics high as goldmines
And strive for excellence in dignities
Forge ahead with love and respect
For none snatches your rightful dues
Despite adversities and adversaries
Stick strong to your principles as tigers
Show firm and fair flexibility as foxes
But struggle unrelentingly as battlers
Despite hurdles be ready at all times
For reckoning bells knock fast sirens
Tomorrows instantly flash to yesterdays
As time rolls past like Concorde planes
Presents quickly transform to pasts
As futures fast mutate to currents
Yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows cross
Asking legacies bequeathed to progenies
Parting time summons with jet speeds
Calling partners to account for deeds
With courage and conviction as warriors
Success smiles on all who battle failures
Each passing minute rings bye-bye bells
Alerting all to prepare for inevitable trips
Whether humans want journeys or sojourns
Life commands as judges’ hammers
Unlike court cases no appeal stands
For the ruling accompanies arrivals
Exit holds high pedestal on agendas
For you leave when the bell chimes
So work in faith and vision as lions
Resolved to shatter irons and chains
Beat mountains and valleys as cruisers
And pilot your path to fame as heroes
A PRAYER FROM REVEREND LEE
AND FAMILY
Our Father, Thou hath abundantly blessed
this earth on which we live with great har-
vests. Thou hath provided for mankind all
things needful. Bless those who labor in the
fields. May we ever rejoice in Thy great
goodness to us. Help us to not forgot all Thy
benefits. This is a good land in which we
live. As we move into another year, we
thank thee.
May the words of the Psalmist be our prayer:
“BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL / AND
ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME / BLESS HIS
HOLY NAME.
Amen.
My neighborhood, Central
Harlem, has always rivaled
other neighborhoods in New
York City with its rich cultural history and
beautiful architecture. However, according to
a recent neighborhood profile released by the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
(DOHMH), we have another distinguishing
mark: an AIDS death rate that is triple that of
the city’s average. And that is not a mark to
be proud of.
Though drugs and violence are consider-
able concerns for parents raising their children
in Central Harlem, they must be equally
informed and aware of the dangers of HIV
infection, which is one of the leading causes
of death for young women and men in our
community. In fact, twice as many of our
neighbors—of any age—lost their lives last
year to AIDS than they did to drug overdoses
or gun shot wounds combined. Additionally,
more neighbors died from AIDS, within that
same period, than they did from diabetes or
strokes.
The health profile also showed that
although we, in this neighborhood, are dying
of the disease at an epidemic level, there is
still a high number who are
engaging in risky HIV-exposing
behaviors such as intravenous
drug use and unprotected sex. However, this
seems to be occurring at a lower rate than as
compared to other New York communities.
So, if we’re being safer than most, why are so
many dying so soon? This is an especially
troubling question since we are in a time peri-
od where those who are HIV-positive can live
longer and healthier lives thanks to the pow-
erful medications available in the drug mar-
ket.
Frank Oldham Jr., a citywide coordinator
of AIDS outreach for Department of Health
and Mental Health and Hygiene, reasons that
a lack of adequate housing for the HIV infect-
cannot be totally explained or blamed on eco-
nomic factors. Like those in many other black
and Latino neighborhoods, we are still dealing
with the stigma that comes with being HIV
positive. Those who think they may be infect-
ed rightly fear being shunned by their friends
and family or being mislabeled as a drug user
or homosexual. Even worse, men who really
are having sex with men are not admitting
they are gay to their girlfriends and worse yet,
not even their doctors. Because of this, they
never receive the special information and
counseling usually offered to openly gay
males by AIDS educators.
For those who would like to have a free
STD and HIV test, there are two local clinics:
the Central Harlem Health Center at 2238
Fifth Avenue or the East Harlem Health
Center at 158 East 115th Street. You can call
311 to find HIV services outside of these
areas. Each clinic can test you, counsel you
about the results, and even help you to find
stable housing if you are HIV positive.
With all of that help, there is no reason
not to know your status.■
Hashim Warren is a 23-year-old student
in CUNY and a long time Harlem resident and
community activist. He regularly updates a
hip-hop web log at
http://dieselnation.blogs.com.
ed is an important factor that is keeping the
AIDS death rate from receding. “An AIDS
patient cannot maintain the strict regime
required by their medication if they do not
have a stable, safe environment to live in,”
Oldham says.
He also points to a lack of access to
health care as a problem. Far too often, those
who are infected find out their status only
after they are hospitalized and the crippling
condition of AIDS has already set in. At that
point, it is usually too late to begin a success-
ful treatment and they do not live as long as
they could have.
The most unfortunate factor in our high
death rate is that many of us are purposefully
remaining ignorant about our HIV status. This
3
To promote breast cancer aware-
ness, the Breast Examination
Center Of Harlem (B.E.C.H) is
delighted to announce the Women’s Health
Community Mural Project.
B.E.C.H, a community outreach program
of Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, has an
established reputation in the Harlem commu-
nity for free high-quality care. Its aim is to
educate women within the Harlem communi-
ty about the importance of having cancer
screenings, and about understanding various
health issues.
The Women’s Health Community Mural
is on a 1,400 square foot outdoor wall on the
side the H&M clothing store, which is located
on 125th Street next to the plaza of the Adam
Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building.
The mural is adjacent to where the Breast
Examination Center Of Harlem is located. (Its
address is: 163 West 125th Street, 4th Fl.).
The Project started a year ago with 14
weeks of workshops provided by B.E.C.H
health educator and mural director Alexandra
Mitnick. The workshops focused on the
importance of women’s health, preventive
care, health services, and the ways to commu-
nicate those issues through visual images.
At the onset of the mural project,
B.E.C.H wanted to make it a collaborative of
community members, including artists, cancer
survivors, B.E.C.H staff and supporters, edu-
cators, and young adults. According to
B.E.C.H, its aim was to serve as a model for
other social services and agencies interested
in using this unique technique to communi-
cate important messages about women’s
health care.
The goal of the Mural Project is two-
fold: first, to increase knowledge of women’s
health issues with the ultimate goal of increas-
ing positive health behaviors among woman
in the Harlem community, and
second, to address the emotion-
al and psychological needs of
women during very difficult
times and to support their heal-
ing process through the use of
arts.
In addition, the mural
speaks to the intergenerational
collaboration and creativity of
the participants. It also adds
beauty to the neighborhood and
increases community pride.
Diana Godfrey, the pro-
gram director of B.E.C.H, says
she is just elated to have this
type of advertisement, with
such high visibility. “With the
mural project, which is a form
many of their personal sketches.
The mural is funded by contributions
from the Aaliyah Memorial Fund through Set
Up Women’s Network, Essence Magazine,
New York State Department of Health Bureau
of Chronic Disease, Blockbuster, Johnson&
Johnson, and H&M.■
Honey Walrond is an young journalist,
writer, CCNY student, and a program director
of WHCR's (90.3 fm) HARLEM 411 (Friday's
6-8PM). She's a Harlemite.
of advertising through art, we’re going to
increase the awareness of those who pass by,
and of those who had no idea that such an out-
reach program existed. My personal feeling is
that we’re going to get through to the people
about the job that we do best, which is to
reduce the high cancer mortality in this com-
munity,” she said.
Painting began this year on the 16th of
May by Bryan Collier, who was commis-
sioned to guide 40 women from the commu-
nity to design the image, which incorporated
HARLEM HAIKU
By Martha Mae Jones
Bare trees of winterDo not linger ‘til the Spring To claim themselves whole
Be Proud, Stay Strong, Get Tested By Hashim Warren
Breast Examination Center Paints A Healthy PictureBy Honey Waldron
Mural on the side of the H&M clothing store, 125th Street adjacent to ACPowell, Jr. State Office Building
TE
LE
PHO
NE
or FAX
us at 212-876-5697 or EM
AIL
: theharlemcitizen@
yahoo.com, M
AIL
: P.O. B
ox 1588, New
York, N
Y10026
Paula Coleman, of PCOG
Gallery, wrote an article
in the August issue of
The Citizen about investing in the
human capital of the neighbor-
hood. There, she explained the
need to hire community workers to
renovate the gallery that she owns
with renowned sculptor, Ousmane
Gueye.
With her E.merging Y.oung
A.rtists program, she’s developing
the talents of neighborhood youths
through art education and prac-
tice.
We stopped by PCOG gallery
to talk to her about the latest show
and about her roster of young tal-
ent.
Glenda Johnson: What is the
E.merging Y.oung A.rtists pro-
gram?
Paula Coleman: It’s a non-
profit children’s art program, with chil-
dren ranging from the ages of 5 to 12.
Our mission is
twofold: first, to
expose children in
urban settings to the
arts; and second, to
give them the oppor-
tunity to work with
established and
emerging older
artists. These artists
teach and mentor
them as well.
Most important
though, the pro-
gram’s goals are to
nurture and cultivate
the natural talents of
the students.
GJ: When did the program begin?
PC: In August 2002.
GJ: How much does it cost?
PC: It’s
free, but we
accept dona-
tions. I’m also
planning a
f u n d r a i s e r
scheduled for
next year.
GJ: And
how are the
classes struc-
tured?
PC: The classes are divided into
groups of 10-12 students. They meet
once a week on Saturdays for two hours.
In these two hours, children are taught to
work on individual and collaborative art
projects.
Also in these classes, they learn art
history and an introduction to that day’s
medium. It is followed by a tutorial on
using appropriate art tools. For example,
why we created the shoe art theme.
GJ: Did all the children participate
in the show?
PC: We have 11 permanent students
and 10 who audit. So the 11 permanent
students were in the show.
The pieces aren’t named. The kids
created their work from things that
inspired them.
Everyone’s installation consisted of
at least one shoe and a shoe box.
GJ: Who are some of these emerg-
ing artists?
PC: Robert Davenport, age 10; he
started his shoes first. He was inspired by
the circus, which is why he used clowns
in his work. It’s tempura and acrylic.
if they’re painting, then they learn about
using paint brushes, mixing colors, and
basic painting techniques.
The artistic media that
are studied include mixed
media, drawing, painting,
photography, and digital art.
GJ: How are the stu-
dent artists’ judged?
PC: By their project
completions, class atten-
dance and participation,
behavior and teamwork.
Also, while the artistic
quality of the work is
important, because each
child has a different level of
talent, progress is measured
by how well instructions are
followed.
They come to understand the way
galleries work and the discipline it takes
to be engaged in the art process. Plus,
they get the pleas-
ure of working in a
gallery environ-
ment, along with
great artists
who’ve also shown
here, such as my
partner Ousmane
Gueye, photogra-
pher Carrie Mae
Weems, and the
artist and novelist
Danny Simmons.
GJ: Approximately how many stu-
dents participate in the program?
PC: Usually from 10 to 17.
GJ: Is this the first group show?
PC: Yes. It was organized with the
Etu Evans Foundation. His foundation
sponsored a four day shoe drive to collect
shoes for young people, ages 18-24. We
decided to play on that activity, which is
Navon A. Bird, age 8; he was
inspired by Native Americans; he was
learning about them in school. The col-
ors he chose invoke images of Native
American headdress; the colors of the
boot make you think of the land. His box
has all the elements of the environ-
ment—the oceans, land, etc.
Other artists were Aja Giles, 12;
Jazslyn Saunders, 10; Amalie and Marina
Seyffert, 3 and 6; Jenaba and Sirah Sow,
4 and 6; Sojouner Joy Travis, 5; Camera
Ford, 9; and Terra Cary, 6.
GJ: Was the art for sale?
PC: Yes, and all will be sold by the
end of the show. Each piece was $100.
Some artists had drawings, and they were
priced at $50.
GJ: When does the show end and
will there be another?
PC: This show ends December 13.
We’ll have a major fundraising and exhi-
bition with a larger body of work. That
will be in late spring.
Also on exhibit, which will extend
past December 13, are works from the
two instructors: Chesiel John, a mixed
media artist, and Diane Smith, a painter
and illustrator.
In the meantime, interested individu-
als can make tax deductible donations to
our E.merging Y.oung A.rtists program at
PCOG Gallery. Checks must be made
payable to the Harlem Renaissance EDC,
the fiscal conduit for the program.■
P.C.O.G is located at 1902 Adam
Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard, between
115th and 116th Streets. You may contact
her at 212-932-9669 or email at
PCOGGallery@aol.com.
4
Young Artists Put Their Best Feet ForwardPCOG Gallery’s Paula Coleman talks about her E.merging Y.oung A.rtists Program
By Glenda Johnson
By Artist Robert Davenport
Artists’ works from the E.merging Y.oung A.rtists Program
By Artist Navon A. Bird
s i g n O F T H E T I M E S
TE
LE
PHO
NE
or
FAX
us
at 2
12-8
76-5
697
or E
MA
IL: t
heha
rlem
citiz
en@
yaho
o.co
m, M
AIL
: P.O
. Box
158
8, N
ew Y
ork,
NY
1002
6
Malcolm X. Blvd., between 129th and 130th streets
5
in Grand StyleHolley, and
Michelle Dudley.
While keep-
ing an eye out for
t r e n d s ,
Grandview’s selec-
tions veer toward
classic lines that
are forever con-
temporary. While
she carries casual
wear, Veronica
says that it’s the
special occasion
and eveningwear
niche that she has
captured and that is
most popular with
her eclectic clientele.
Grandview’s holiday selec-
tions include: cuddly cashmere sweat suits,
uniquely crafted patchwork bags and scarves,
corset shirts, audacious leather and silk chif-
fon paneled dresses, tye-dyed and handknit
sweater coats. Grandview, as one can see , is
not an ordinary store for Harlem or for the
city. Prices range from $30 to $1000. Sizes
cover 6 to 20.
“I’m interested in fitting all of us,”
Grandview’s grande dame declares. Some of
those whom she wardrobes include Sandra
Parks, Audrey Smaltz, Peggy Dillard,
Doris Wooten, Jonelle Procope, Harriet
Cole, Lu Sierra, Regina Taylor, Nina
Freelon, Elsie Simmons, Cynthia Grace,
and Shannon Ayers.
With her savvy business sense and style
concepts, Veronica is very much a role model.
She is renowned for her tireless efforts on
behalf of young people who are embarking on
careers in the fashion industry; she has men-
tored many through her association with
Black Retail Action Group (BRAGG) and
Fashion Outreach, for which she served as
president for four years.
Among those who have honored her are
Black Enterprise Magazine, The National
Black MBA, and the Harlem Business
Alliance. For two years, she appeared in a
JC Penny national advertising campaign that
celebrated African Americans in fashion.
“I hope my experience will motivate oth-
ers to take an entrepreneurial path. There are
millions of Harlemites out there ready to sup-
port Harlem,” Veronica declared.
Representing grand style in Harlem,
Grandview is located at 2531 Frederick
Douglas Blvd., between 135th and 136th
Street. Store hours: 12-7:00PM, Tues. -
Sat., Tel: 212-694-7324. Website:
www.grandviewfashions.com.■
Martha Mae Jones is a resident of
Harlem and is the author of the Haikus
appearing in this paper each month.
Grandview: the name conjures up
images of those with style and
grace. And certainly, that is the
mission of Veronica Jones, the owner of this
small, cozy boutique. “It exists to bring
sophisticated, quality clothing to the Harlem
community, which has been greatly under-
served in this regard,” says Veronica. “And
I’m honored and pleased that Grandview has
become a destination for a cross section of
Harlemites who are delighted to be able to
keep their fashion dollars in our community,”
she added.
Veronica opened Grandview in Harlem
on the eve of this century after having helped
to pioneer the revitalization of downtown
Nyack, NY. That was fourteen years ago.
Now, she’s here and contributing to this com-
munity’s spirit of renewal.
On the cutting edge of fashion since
graduating from Kent State University and
New York’s Laboratory Institute of
Merchandising, Veronica’s pioneering spirit
has taken her to great heights. She entered
the Institute’s Abraham & Straus executive
training program early in her career.
Afterwards, she quickly climbed the corporate
ladder to become an esteemed buyer at
Gimbels in New York and Joseph Magnin in
San Francisco, traveling the world and buy-
ing for 48 stores. She served as vice president
of both Gene
Ewing Bis and
Kenar Enterprises.
And for 10 years,
she owned
Veronica Jones
Showroom on
Seventh Avenue,
selling to Saks
Fifth Avenue,
B e r g d o r f
Goodman, Neiman
M a r c u s ,
Nordstroms, and
other high-end
boutiques across
the country.
Although, by
choice, she operates
on a much smaller scale
now, her expertise and contacts have made her
a much sought after authority in both the retail
and manufacturing houses of fashion.
Grandview specializes in clothing and
accessories that make a distinctive difference
in every wardrobe. While Grandview carries
such brand names as Flax, Michael Stars,
Womyn, and Nicole Miller, it showcases
many of the best black purveyors of style.
Consider a few names: Stephen Burrows,
Byron Lars, Courtney Washington, Sandy
Baker, Edward Wilkerson, Dabanga, Toma
19-21, Friday, 5:00-8:00PM; Saturday,
1:00-7:00PM; Sunday, 1:00-6:00PM,
2572C Frederick Douglass Blvd., between
137th & 138th; email:
wearshimoda@yahoo.com; phone/fax: 212-
491-6726; major credit cards accepted;
take C train to 135th Street.
Step into Bakayoko & Sons Company
and you’re in an African market. Their house-
wares are both functional and decorative.
And they’re also very resourceful in creating
new and inventive recipes with a variety of
herbs and spices. Islamic prayer mats can
D r e s s i n ’ H A R L E M
($30). Other items (no photo) include: velvet
cell phone bags with beaded strap ($18),
handknit wool scarves ($28), rabbit fur hand-
bags ($80), young lady’s felt bags ($10), vel-
vet bags ($20). There’s something for every-
one!
Where We Live is open daily from
December 15 to December 24, 1:00-
7:00PM, 877 St. Nicholas Ave., @ 154th
Street, 646-303-3671, email:
pau lan ixon@wherewe l ivenyc . com;
www.wherewelivenyc.com; major credit
cards accepted; take the C train to 155th.
Chrysalis Emporium at Sisters
Uptown Bookstore, L.L.C. Set in a commu-
nity bookstore offering bestselling titles and a
children’s bookclub. You can find the fol-
lowing: journals ($10), visual art ($8 and
up), wrap skirts ($40 and up). The empori-
um will also be open December 23rd and
24th during store hours. Free gifts with pur-
chase, refreshments served. Sorry, no credit
cards accepted at this time. Email:
www.chrysaliscollection.com, fax: 212-
939-9738.
Let’s head down to St. Nicholas to
Sugarhill. This charming shop features
beautifully handcrafted Moroccan home fur-
nishings and accessories. You’ll have a hard
time picking from the colors and patterns for
your holiday dinner party. Items include:
candleholders with stained-glass colored
stems ($27 and up) and beautifully designed,
colorful Moroccan dishes ($10 and up); pho-
tos on page 6. Sugarhill, 741 St. Nicholas
Ave., between 147th and 148th; Monday-
Friday, 10:00AM-10:00PM, Saturday,
11:00AM-10:00PM, email: www.sugarhill-
foryou.com; phone: 917-507-2046, major
credit cards accepted take the 2/3 train to
145th.
Be greeted by artist Shimoda in the
serenity of her living room. Shimoda’s
Holiday Home Show features her jewelry
made of precious stones, pearls, and glass:
earrings ($10-$85), bracelets ($45-$65), and
necklaces ($65). She also makes journals
with visual art and rubber stamps ($10).
(Photo on page 6). Every purchase comes
with a giveaway box. Shimoda Accessories
Holiday Homeshow, December 12-14 and
From West 157th to Spanish Harlem,
discover great gifts from shops and
artists with prices to fit any budget.
Let’s begin this stroll with Paula Nixon,
proprietor of Where We Live. On the corner
of 154th and St. Nicholas, Paula turned the
main floor of her residence into a shop offer-
ing personal and home accessories “for the
soul.” This is her second holiday year featur-
ing a wonderful variety of gifts and merchan-
dise for adults and children. Items in photo
include: Votivo candles ($24), wood bowl
($18), silver and crystal candle set ($40),
African candles ($10), rift vase ($10), orange
and red striped suede vase ($20), wooden
frame ($60), and the large ceramic vase
By Martha Mae Jones
Take A Stroll and Discover our Community’s Hidden TreasuresBy Clymenza Hawkins
Where We Live
Con’t on page 6
TE
LE
PHO
NE
or FAX
us at 212-876-5697 or EM
AIL
: theharlemcitizen@
yahoo.com, M
AIL
: P.O. B
ox 1588, New
York, N
Y10026
Veronica Jones
brighten any floor in your home. Items
include: shredded coconut ($6),
small metal teapots in blue and
green ($12), large marbled
stripped plastic teapots
($6), colorful reversible
plastic prayer mats ($10-
$30).
Bakayoko & Son
Co., 2278 8th Avenue,
between 122nd &
123rd, Monday-Sunday,
9:00AM-6:00PM; phone:
212-749-6875; take A,B,C,D
to 125th; no credit cards
accepted.
Kaarta Imports &
Exports offers African fabrics
from Kente to mudcloth. They
also make eye-catching bags
from their fabric stock. Canvas
and leather shoulder bags with
adjustable strap ($45 and up).
Kaarta Imports &
Exports, 121 West 125th
street, between Malcolm X
Blvd., and 7th Avenue,
Monday-Friday, 10:00AM-
8:30PM; Sunday, 12:00 -
8:30PM, phone: 212-866-
5190 fax: 212-665-9815, cred-
it cards accept-
ed; take A,B,C,D
or 2,3 trains to
125th.
G r e t a
Wallace and
Princess Jenkins
manage The
B r o w n s t o n e
where three
floors offer bridal
wear, stylish cloth-
ing for men
a n d
women, a café, natu-
ral hair parlor,
accessories, and of
course, jewelry
(lots of it).
Main floor:
S i s t a p h y r e
K r e a t i o n s :
Inspired by her
country, Liberia,
West Africa, Teaty
Powoo designs jew elry
from semi-precious stones, ster-
ling, and copper. Her sig-
nature Liberian stone rings
6
are currently sold out (ask
her about reorders), but
there’s plenty of other jew-
elry to beautify yourself.
Items include rings ($45)
and earrings ($45). The
sterling silver triangle and
square bracelets ($18 each)
are also her signature trade-
marks.
Second floor: Find
Gina Blalock’s Harlem Charm Bracelet
(photo on page 7). She says, “Everyone can
own a brownstone
without the headache of
a mortgage at G
squared.” The charms
include a brownstone
building, chicken and
waffles, and other trin-
kets in sterling silver
($95). She can also
create them in 18kt
gold. The
Brownstone, 2032
Fifth Avenue, 212-996-
7980, Wednesday-
Sunday, 11:00AM-7:00PM; G Squared
showroom, Thursday-Saturday, 12:00-
7:00PM, Sunday, 12:00-5:00PM; major
credit cards excepted; take 2 or 3 trains to
125th.
“There’s a lot more going on / outside
this box.” The Citizen published this quote
from an outdoor mural in the October issue.
That quote by De La Vega is available as a
greeting card ($5) at his Galeria. De La Vega
has written his visual art quotes on sidewalks,
murals, canvases, and paper. Settled in the
heart of Spanish Harlem, the Galeria is a stu-
dio and retail outlet. Such inspiring quotes as
“You are your won investment” or “Become
But a loan would be great.
MJ: What was Lenox Avenue like when
you started Harlemade?
MH: When we started, there weren’t any
other new businesses. When I say ‘new,’ I
mean those that are currently being classified
as part of the ‘new Harlem.’
MJ: What gave you the inspiration to
start a business on Lenox Avenue?
MH: I’ve always envisioned Lenox
Avenue as being like Columbus Avenue on
the Upper Westside, with the coffee shops, the
chic boutiques, and the sidewalks that make
for leisurely strolls.
MJ: What do you think about the ‘new
Harlem’ and being apart of that?
MH: I love it.
MJ: You’ve just completed your first
major ad campaign. Where can we see it?
MH: At the Magic Johnson Theater
(124th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd.)
during the previews, starting mid-November.
MJ: Where do you see Harlemade in the
next three years?
MH: I see Harlemade still going strong,
with perhaps one other store either here or in
Atlanta. Through our products and merchan-
dise, we will always reflect on Harlem’s rich
history and culture.
MJ: What advice would you give to
any entrepreneurs?
MH: If you have an idea, go for it. A lot
of people will encourage you and there are
those who will discourage you as well. But if
you want it bad enough, it can happen.■
Musa Jackson is an entrepreneur and
community activist.
Three years ago, when Lenox Avenue
lay in commercial real estate decay,
three pioneering entrepreneurs—
Kevin McGruder, Pat Alfred, and Murphy
Heyliger—pooled their resources and talent to
open Harlemade, a lifestyle boutique with
unique Harlem-centric items made by Harlem
residents. This unique shop displays a pot-
pourri of items, including artwork by new
artists, quilts, pillows, books, vintage movies,
jazz cds, and the coolest graphic tees celebrat-
ing Harlem’s rich culture.
On behalf of The Citizen, I spoke with
Murphy Heyliger, Harlemade’s founder and
creative visionary, about the company’s
beginning and plans for the future.
Musa Jackson: How did you conceive
of the idea of Harlemade?
Murphy Heyliger: The idea of
Harlemade came about through my love of
Harlem. At the time, I was doing graphics for
well-known companies—The Gap, Armani
Exchange, etc. Then, I thought that it would
be cool to have a tee-shirt line.
MJ: Have you always dreamt of starting
your own business?
MH: I always knew that I couldn’t do a
9 to 5 job. When you’re a creative person, it’s
difficult to be under the creative control of
someone else’s establishment. In some ways,
you might be up to the challenge, but in other
ways, you’re just a machine. Also, I realized
as a black man working as graphic designer, I
would never be fully challenged or rewarded.
MJ: How did you get investors?
MH: The money came from all of us
partners—Pat, Kevin, and myself. It was very
difficult to sell people the idea and have them
believe in it the way we did. So instead of
spending energy attempting to find investors,
we put it up ourselves. We realized that we
could do it.
MJ: Have you been able to receive any
money from Upper Manhattan Empowerment
Zone (UMEZ) or a bank?
MH: The answer is ‘no.’ All the steps
and requirements seem like huge obstacles.
Your Dream” can be purchased on posters
($10), tote bags ($20), black or white t-shirts
($25), long-sleeve
shirts ($30), sweat-
shirts ($40), hat
($10 and up), and
visual art on canvas
($300). As one of
his quotes states,
“This moment is
more precious than
you think.” The
Galeria De La
Vega, 1651
Lexington Avenue @ 104th Street, 212-876-
8649; take the 6 train to 104th Street, no
credit cards accepted.■
Clymenza Hawkins is the producer of
Chrysalis Collection greeting cards; she is
also a visual artist and writer. Her work will
be featured in the new edition of Jumping The
Broom by Harriette Cole, due January 2004.
Take a Stroll
Sugar Hill
Model Kahshanna Evans with iconic afrotote and wearing revamped afro tee
AUTHENTICALLY HARLEM By Musa Jackson
Murphy Heyliger
Shimoda’s Jewelry
TE
LE
PHO
NE
or
FAX
us
at 2
12-8
76-5
697
or E
MA
IL: t
heha
rlem
citiz
en@
yaho
o.co
m, M
AIL
: P.O
. Box
158
8, N
ew Y
ork,
NY
1002
6
Bakayoko & Son Company
The Galeria De La Vega
Kaarta Imports & Imports
Sistaphyre Kreations
Cou
rtes
y of
Chr
ysle
r M
agaz
ine
Dan
iel
Dea
se
Con’t from page 5
7
You can find high end items too. Owner
Georgia Boothe and her assistant, Mieko,
will expertly gift wrap your purchases, so that
all you have to do is put the gifts under the
tree.
Harlemade is also on Lenox Avenue
between 119th and 118th Streets. When I
want to reinforce how special Harlem is with
out-of-town family and friends, I shop here.
This store specializes in Harlem-centric items
made by Harlem residents. There is nothing
like co-owner Murphy Heyliger’s Harlem
motif designed tee shirts. They have become
the Harlem rave. In addition, I take my tour
guests here to shop for items that will make
them remember Harlem. You can find archi-
tectural and cultural historian Michael Henry
Adams’s coffee table size books, Harlem Lost
& Found, and African American Style &
Grace here. Also, a popular item is the New
York Landmark Conservancy published book,
Touring Historic Harlem: Four Walks in
Northern Manhattan. You’ll also find post-
cards of historic Harlem landmarks and
celebrities, posters, stuffed dolls, videos of
vintage Harlem movies, and other unique
Harlem memorabilia.
Before I continue my shopping spree, I
have to renew my energy with a drink at
Native Bistro. Located on the west side of
Lenox Avenue at 118th Street, you can get the
best mojitos in town. They are prepared by
bartender Boi Jackson, who will bartend your
holiday party if it’s not scheduled on her work
days. By the way, Native will cater your hol-
iday party with élan, or if your place is too
small, you can host a party at this eclectically
styled facility. I love the
French/Moroccan/Caribbean inspired entrees
and hors d’oeuvres that owner and chef Brian
Washington-Palmer offers up, and I am a
“regular” there for dinner and drinks with
friends and business colleagues.
I make my way up Lenox Avenue at
120th Street to Settepani Bakery. This gather-
ing place—owned by Leah Abraham and
Antonino Settepani—is a favorite for Mount
Morris Park District residents who start their
work day with a take-out cup of latte or cap-
puccino, and who spend their weekends there
reading the newspaper over a delicate pastry
with coffee or tea served European style (table
side infusers for tea and oversized bowl-like
cups for latte). If you are lactate intolerant
like I am, Settepani will serve your coffee on
request with soy milk. On this visit, I pick up
a pound or two of assorted chocolate truf-
fles—dusted with confectionery sugar,
unsweetened powdered chocolate, or rolled in
crushed almonds. They are placed in a fancy
octagonal box with gold elastic string tied in a
delicate bow (just the right gift for someone
with a sweet tooth). If I’m too busy to bake a
cake for Christmas, then I’ll come back to buy
a couple of mousse cakes or a lemon tart as
Iremember when it was a pain to have to
shop for almost anything uptown,
including food. I would have to schlep
downtown on crowded subways and buses or
risk getting those God awful tickets if I dared
to drive my car. Thanks to the “second Harlem
renaissance” that has stimulated new home-
ownership development and thereby brought
new commercial development, I can walk
within two to five blocks from my home to
purchase some of the most incredible gifts for
family and friends.
I am so excited about this new reality
that I want to share with you. Come holiday
shopping with me. You won’t regret it, and
those on the receiving end will love you for it!
My first stop is Xukuma, which is locat-
ed upstairs in a brownstone on Lenox Avenue
near 119th Street. Last year, I purchased most
of my Christmas/Kwanzaa gifts there. At
Xukuma, you can purchase wonderful scented
candles, unusual picture frames in all shapes
and materials, funky/hip tee shirts and hats,
cute and uniquely shaped vases, imported aro-
matherapy products for the bath and beyond,
pewter wine stoppers, precious linens for the
table, ceramic and hand-painted clay pots, and
numerous other items—all for under $50.
ST. NIC
HO
LAS
135TH STREET
116TH STREET
Xukuma
Native Restaurant
125TH STREET
Harlemade
Settepani Bakery
Turning Heads Salon & Day Spa
AD
AM
CL
AY
TO
N P
OW
EL
L B
LV
D /
7T
H A
VE
NU
E
Studio Museum Gift Shop
Mobay’s Restaurant
African Paradise
5T
H A
VE
NU
E
The Brownstone
G squared Fine Jewelry
Porgy & Bass
One Good Thing
The Scarf Lady
Schomburg Center
Montgomery
Hats. By Bunn.
Grandview
FR
ED
ER
ICK
DO
UG
LA
SS
/ 8
TH
AV
EN
UE
A/Ctrain
2 / 3train
2 / 3train
2 / 3train
B/Ctrain
MA
LC
OL
M X
BO
UL
EV
AR
D /
LE
NO
X A
VE
NU
E
HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH VAL
martini set from Xukuma
charm bracelet from G squared
Hats. By Bunn.
By Valerie Jo Bradley
FIND GOLDEN ALE AT THESEUPTOWN LOCATIONS:
Sylvia’s, Bayou, Lenox Lounge,MoBay’s, Native, Apollo Theater,Sugar Hill Bistro, Revival, St. Nick’sPub, Spoonbread, Miss Mamie’sSpoonbread, Max Soha, Sezz Medi,Faculty House at ColumbiaUniversity, Kitchenette, Pioneer, andFairway.Correction: Celeste Beatty’s last name was
listed incorrectly in our last issue. It was writ-
ten as “Bailey.” Also, Robert Hale wasn’t
noted as the photographer. We apologize for
the mistake and omission.
TE
LE
PHO
NE
or FAX
us at 212-876-5697 or EM
AIL
: theharlemcitizen@
yahoo.com, M
AIL
: P.O. B
ox 1588, New
York, N
Y10026
Rob
ert
Hal
e
Sugar Hill Golden Ale
Celeste Beatty’s Sugar Hill Golden Ale
Con’t on page 8
145TH STREET
Brownstone, I discover a nice collection of
hand-made, one-of-a-kind earrings in bronze,
semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, citrine,
and carnelian that are priced just right for my
gift budget. Co-owners Princess Jenkins
(buyer & stylist) and Greta Wallace (Simply
Greta designer) have outdone themselves
offering all manner of outrageously beautiful
sweaters, dresses, suits, slacks, and black tie
attire to make your look uniquely special for
the holidays.
Before walking to the 135th Street area,
I have to refuel. I do that at Porgy & Bass,
the newest restaurant on Lenox Avenue, on
the northwest corner of 126th Street. Karene
and Chip, the owners,
carry the best gumbo you
want to put in your mouth,
and that is what I order
with a big glass of hand-
squeezed lemonade. Even
though they have some of
the tastiest fried fish this
side of heaven, they also
feature steamed fish
accompanied with various
lip-smacking sauces. I cap
off my meal with an order
of Louisiana-style bread
pudding with whiskey
sauce!
On my way to the 135th Street area, I
discover that One Good Thing (featuring art
and soul collectibles), located between 128th
and 129th Streets, is open! What a treat,
because owner Sydney Kai Inis usually
opens by appointment only or when she is
hosting an exhibit opening. She collects
incredible things including furniture, clothing,
artwork, books, and jewelry. I bet you can
find one good thing in her tiny (but big in
what it offers) shop. Through December 27,
One Good Thing is featuring an exhibit of
John Rozelle’s artwork, Mixed Media: The
Blues Project.
Nearby on Lenox Avenue, at 130th
Street, is The Scarf Lady. This boutique car-
ries Imani Jewelry in addition to some of the
most precious handmade scarves in fine fab-
rics that owner Paulette Gay travels all over
the world to find. She designs many of her
products. Let’s also talk about all the pretty
dresses you can find here. The sizes go from
no figure up to full figure.
I turn west at 135th Street right at the
corner of the Schomburg Center. I would
love to go in and browse in the gift shop, but
I will come back another day. Before all the
redevelopment of Harlem, I purchased many
of my holiday gifts at the Schomburg and The
Studio Museum gift shops. In both of these
gift shops, you can find African-American
books, catalogues of past exhibits document-
ing African-American and African art and cul-
ture, ethnic jewelry, posters, calendars, and
nice gift items especially from the African
Diaspora. The Schomburg has a nice collec-
tion of South African N’debele gift items such
as beaded earrings, bracelets, pillows, and
bead-trimmed tee shirts.
Montgomery, located on the west side
of 136th Street on Adam Clayton Powell
Blvd., is a one-of-a kind boutique that carries
the fashions of haute couture designer Jolinda
Montgomery (who happens to design for the
rich and famous). Not only are the clothes
phenomenal and stylishly chic, but the acces-
sories are equally as nice. While the rack
items seem to be geared for small women,
some items can be made to measure for more
amply endowed sisters. The décor of the shop
is equally inviting.
Next, I make my way to Veronica
Jones’ Grandview, located on Eighth Avenue
between 136th and 135th Streets. For that
special New Year’s Eve black tie event,
you’re certain to find a drop dead outfit here.
My last stop is Hats. By Bunn. located
on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. between
135th and 134th Streets. Sisters always have
to have hats, and this is the place to get them
custom-made to accommodate bigger or
smaller heads and for cascading locks.
Designer Bunn uses an assortment of domes-
tic and imported natural fabrics to create hats
suitable for church or for casual wear. You
have a treasure when you own a Bunn hat. (I
own several!) Gift certificates are also avail-
able.
I could take you to many more places for
hard-to-find videos, hand-made and custom
made shoes, and unique Harlem galleries, but
I’ll save that for another column. Until then,
enjoy my selections!■
my contribution to dinner with friends. They
make good gifts too!
Continuing up Lenox, my next stop is
Turning Heads Salon & Day Spa at the cor-
ner of 121st Street. I purchase a gift certifi-
cate for a reflexology session. (By the way,
this is a great gift for the man who’s often
reluctant to pamper himself in this manner.
Or, for the man who want to relax his woman,
a certificate for the hot stone therapy session
and an herbal facial is a winner.) I buy a “day
of beauty” gift certificate—reflexology,
facial, and spa manicure and pedicure—for
my mother as a personal treat. Turning Heads
features a substantial array of Carol’s
Daughter products,
so you no longer
have to travel to
Brooklyn to get
them; they also make
great girlfriend gifts.
Also, for that friend
who wears locks,
owner Shannon
Ayers just purchased
a special selection of
lock ornaments for
the holidays.
Now, I am on
125th Street,
Harlem’s commercial
center. My first stop is African Paradise to
purchase a Kwanzaa kinara (candle holder
similar to a menorah for Hanukah). This
shop, which has an array of everything
African, has an interesting collection of
kinaras in hand-carved wood. In fact, you
will find a number of surprises here, like
fringed indigo tie-dyed shawls from Burkino
Faso, strands of rare West African trade beads
that can be used for uniquely designed Afro-
centric jewelry for those who like to make
their own gifts, and original art and wood and
stone sculptures by contemporary African
artists. (I have found some serious art bargains
here, but you’ve got to know what you are
looking at in order to realize a bargain).
The next stop is Mobay’s take out for a
Red Velvet cake. The cake is slammin’, and
so are the hand rubbed St. Louis ribs prepared
to the specifications of co-owner Joe Barnes’
legendary family recipe. Just so you know,
Mobay has its liquor license now, and that
enhances the experience at this new and styl-
ish Harlem eatery.
I could never forget The Brownstone,
Harlem’s premier shopping emporium located
on Fifth Avenue between 125th and 126th
Streets. Before I check the apparel and acces-
sories on the parlor floor, I walk to the second
floor and visit G squared Fine Jewelry and
Other Fine Things to purchase a pair of ster-
ling silver Harlem signature cuff links for my
father. Gemologist Gina Ramcharan, who
worked for 15 years at Tiffany’s, has created
this newest Harlem-themed offering for the
holiday. In 2002, Gina gave me a silver
Harlem charm bracelet, and I think I will treat
myself to some new charms that she recently
developed. There are other interesting gift
items in G squared, and purchases are boxed
and gift wrapped. Back downstairs in theTE
LE
PHO
NE
or
FAX
us
at 2
12-8
76-5
697
or E
MA
IL: t
heha
rlem
citiz
en@
yaho
o.co
m, M
AIL
: P.O
. Box
158
8, N
ew Y
ork,
NY
1002
6
XUKUMA: 183 Lenox Ave., 212-
222-0490
NATIVE: 161 Lenox Ave., 212-665-
2525
HARLEMADE: 174 Lenox Ave.,
212-987-2500
SETTEPANI BAKERY: 196 Lenox
Ave., 917-492-4806
TURNING HEADS DAY SPA: 218
Lenox Ave., 212-828-4600
AFRICAN PARADISE: 27 West
125th Street, 212-410-5294
MOBAY: 17 W. 125th Street, 212-
876-9300, Take Out & Delivery 212-
828-3400
THE BROWNSTONE: 2032 Fifth
Ave., 212-996-7980
G SQUARED @ The Brownstone:
2032 Fifth Ave., 212-996-7980
PORGY & BASS: 321 Lenox Ave.,
212-531-0300
ONE GOOD THING: 367 Lenox
Ave., 646-342-7389
THE SCARF LADY: 408 Lenox
Ave., 212-862-7369
SCHOMBURG CENTER: 515
Lenox Ave. 2nd Floor, 212-491-2206
The STUDIO MUSEUM GIFT
SHOP: 144 West 125th Street, 212-
864-0014
MONTGOMERY: 2312 Adam
Clayton Powell Blvd., 212-690-2166
GRANDVIEW: 2531 Frederick
Douglass Blvd., 212-694-7324
HATS. BY BUNN.: 2283 Adam
Clayton Powell Blvd., 212-694-3590
STORE DIRECTORY
Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., outside offices of The Amsterdam News
Val’s Shopping Continues
Recommended