8
the Citizen A 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. December 2003 FREE O n 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 Street Read 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 West 125th St., Suite 340, Tel:212-749-3105, 212-662- 4215 PAGE 3 Know Your HIV Status Get free STD and HIV tests: the Central Harlem Health Center at 2238 Fifth Avenue or the East Harlem Health Center at 158 East 115th Street. Or call 311 to find HIV services outside of these 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 produced by 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 participating in this forum. Speak out, in your own voice, on issues close to your heart. Write in and suggest story ideas or 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 help with distribution. We look forward to hearing from you. TELEPHONE or FAX us at 212-876-5697 or EMAIL: [email protected], MAIL: P.O. Box 1588, New York, NY10026 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 Center 127 W. 127th Street Discuss Plans For Surveillance Cameras on 125th Street HAVE A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON PAGE 2 Photo in Editor’s Letter The Painting is by Tree Williams @Triple Candie 461 W. 126th Street 212-865-0783 PAGES 4-8 Support Local Artists & Merchants (photo: Holly’s eyes)

Harlem and HIV (Published in The Citizen in 2004)

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I wrote an article on HIV in harlem a few years ago.

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Page 1: Harlem and HIV (Published in The Citizen in 2004)

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)

Page 2: Harlem and HIV (Published in The Citizen in 2004)

“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: [email protected]://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

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or

FAX

us

at 2

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or E

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rlem

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158

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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.

Page 3: Harlem and HIV (Published in The Citizen in 2004)

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

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NE

or FAX

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AIL

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ox 1588, New

York, N

Y10026

Page 4: Harlem and HIV (Published in The Citizen in 2004)

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

[email protected].

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

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or E

MA

IL: t

heha

rlem

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en@

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o.co

m, M

AIL

: P.O

. Box

158

8, N

ew Y

ork,

NY

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6

Malcolm X. Blvd., between 129th and 130th streets

Page 5: Harlem and HIV (Published in The Citizen in 2004)

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:

[email protected]; 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

Page 6: Harlem and HIV (Published in The Citizen in 2004)

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

Page 7: Harlem and HIV (Published in The Citizen in 2004)

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

Page 8: Harlem and HIV (Published in The Citizen in 2004)

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

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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