“Harlem is Booming” - The New York Times
The start of the Annual
featured section on the Chamber
Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run
The Chamber’s award winning “Strivers Gardens” mixed use development project at 300 W. 135th St.
“Forever Harlem” the best selling book which covers Harlem during the 1st 100 years of the Chamber’s History
200A West 136th Street New York, New York 10030 www.GreaterHarlemChamber.com
Our motto is
“The Business of Business is People”
In 2016 The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), originally incorporated in 1896 as the Harlem Board of Trade, proudly celebrated its 120th year of continuous service to the Upper Manhattan area and the greater New York region. GHCC has continually served as an anchor for regional and community stability and sucess during the periods of urban challenges, and now, as we enter periods of greater prosperity, GHCC, over the past forty years, has also worked diligently to focus on Harlem’s second renaissance and the revitalization of upper Manhattan and New York by supporting new and established businesses; strengthening and enhancing the number, quality and diversity of the professional services provided; encouraging residential, commercial and retail development, affordable housing; expanding tourism; and the perservation and sustainability of Harlem’s vitality and importance in arts, culture and history.
Established in 1896
Celebrating Our 120th Anniversary
GHCC also continues to work closely with many of the key health service providers in the city and the region and remains a major advocate for improving the quality of life and health for members, associates and service areas. GHCC aggressively promotes, contributes to and benefits from Harlem’s world renowned vitality and recognition as an international tourist, business, sports, arts and culture, education, historic, religious and health services mecca.
THE GREATER HARLEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS President & CEO
Lloyd Williams LMR Productions
DIRECTORS Kimberly Hardy, Esq.
Dr. John Palmer
Harlem Community Development Corporation
Thacher Associates, LLC
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
Clayton Banks Silicon Harlem
1st Vice President
Voza Rivers New Heritage Theatre Group
David Banks, Esq. The Eagle Academy Foundation
Patricia Boyd, MST,CPA
Vice President for Programs
P. Boyd & Associates, PLLC
Patricia Ricketts
Greg Campbell
Lion Holding Group
Rainmaker, Inc.
Faith Hope Consolo
Treasurer
Douglas Elliman
Charles Warfield, Jr.
Dr. Hazel Dukes
YMF Media, LLC
NAACP New York State Conference
Secretary
Kenneth Feldman
John Patane
Applebee’s/AppleMetro
Patane Press, Inc.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Curtis Archer
Louis Katsos JEKMAR Associates
Betty Park Manna’s Restaurants
Deon Levingston HARLEM MUSIC FEST
Dr. Enrique Riggs Dental Practitioner
Winston Majette HARLEM WEEK, Inc.
William Rogers Urbanology Systems
L. Benet McMillan, Esq. Trusts & Estates and Tax Attorney
Keisha Sutton-James
Lucille McEwen, Esq.
Inner City Broadcasting Corporation
McEwen Consulting Solutions, Inc.
Willie Walker
Dr. Leon Merrick
NYS Office of General Services
Dental Practitioner
Mark Willis, Esq. Donald C. Notice
NYU Furman Center
West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc.
Karen Witherspoon The City College of New York
Executive Finance & Audit Programs Community/Economic Development Technology (S.T.E.A.M.) HARLEM WEEK Tourism Health Education Arts & Culture Government Relations International Relations Public Safety Nominating
INVITATION TO JOIN THE CHAMBER VIA MAIL OR ONLINE We invite you to become a member, or associate member of our Chamber. For more information on membership, please call us at (212) 862-7200 and ask for Mr. Majette or Mr. Causey; or you may wish to visit us online at www.greaterharlemchamber.com. The Chamber has also signed on to the New York City domain campaign. Find us at “www.greaterharlemchamber.nyc”. Additionally, we invite you to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
TO JOIN NOW, please visit our website and download our membership application at www.greaterharlemchamber.com/join Or, you may join the Chamber now via Blue Pay by visiting www.greaterharlemchamber.com and clicking the “Join the Chamber” link.
Established in 1896
You may also mail your membership application to GHCC Membership, 200A West 136th St., New York, NY 10030 - with a check or money order payable to GHCC Membership.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce leads or partners with key local, citywide, regional, national and international entities to host an annual series of business breakfasts, luncheons, seminars, forums and conferences focused on key topics impacting business and economic development including traditional and non-traditional lending, health services for employers and employees, emarketing, professional services and the many other needs of our thriving business and professional sectors. The culmination of our year round activities is the annual NY City Economic Development Day (EDD) conference hosted in partnership with Chamber members, Columbia University, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, Harlem Business, Alliance, Harlem Community
Developent Corporaton and Silicon Harlem. EDD features topical seminars on business and related economic impact. Each EDD Conference has its own theme a sampling of which includes presentations by developers of new projects in upper Manhattan and New York. EDD also provides and promotes regional and international business opportunities for women & local and minority owned businesses, job fairs, business expos, loan pavilions and more. Five key features are part of each EDD Conference: the Business Conference; the Health Conference; The S.T.E.A.M. Technology Conference, the Business Expo; and the Basil A. Paterson Business Awards Luncheon which is attended by hundreds of city, state and regional business leaders. Additionally, as part of GHCC’s civic, political, community and educational endeav-
(top left) Hon. Percy E. Sutton legendary business pioneer & icon; (bottom left) Hon. Michael Bloomberg international business icon and former NY City Mayor; (bottom right) NYC Economic Development Day Business Expo at Columbia University
ors, scholarships and grants are awarded on that day to approximately twenty deserving college students pursuing degrees in various disciplines of higher education.
MAJOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Greater Harlem Housing Development Corporation (GHHDC), the Chamber’s community development subsidiary, in concert with the NY City Planning Commission, Manhattan Community Board #10, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone and the Office of the Mayor, created the Strivers Center Development Project, which anchors the heart of Harlem’s famous Strivers Cultural District. This historic urban renewal initiative extends from West 130th St. to West 141th St., from 5th Avenue to St. Nicholas Avenue and is home to restaurants, boutiques, libraries, houses of worship, recreational facilities, cultural venues, small businesses, professional service providers and various housing options ranging from affordable apartments, co-ops, condominiums to town houses. The targeted area includes the Chamber’s internationally award winning “Strivers Gardens” (pictured on the cover) which is a mixed use complex with 170 residential condominiums, underground parking, financial institutions, pharmacies and restaurants. In addition, the Chamber, through its housing division, GHHDC, owns 117 units of affordable housing as well as 12 retail and commercial spaces within the area between 134th St. and 136th St. from St. Nicholas Avenue to Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. Some of the other key development initiatives that the Chamber actively supports include: the developments at the new Harlem Hospital Center; new construction and renovation at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; Columbia University’s Manhattanville Project (new 17 Acre business, arts, applied sciences, engineering campus); completion of the renovation of the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building and Plaza; the continued revitalization of 125th St. led by the 125th St. Business Improvement District; new construction projects at The City College of New York; and the creation by Harlem Community Development Corporation of the Victoria Complex (residential, hotel, cultural and business site). (top) The fabulous Mural Pavilion of Harlem Hospital Center on Malcom X Blvd. & W. 136th St. (bottom) Rendering of Columbia University’s Manhattanville Project in West Harlem
Rendering of the much anticipated HCDC Loews Victoria Complex on W. 125th St.
SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS Small Businesses & Individual Entrepreneurship continue to be key components of our region’s economy. The Chamber promotes small businesses and professional services providers throughout the year by supporting and promoting multipronged approaches to create new jobs and business revenue. GHCC enjoys strong MWBE and MWL partnerships with the Harlem Business Alliance, Columbia University, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, Harlem Community Development Corporation, The City College of New York, NY State Office of General Services, MTA and others in an overall effort to support our small business community and strengthen its access to capital. (top) The famous Sylvia’s Restaurant (bottom) John Patane of Patane Press
Exhibiting, Promoting, Advertising & Vending Members and associates are invited and encouraged to display, market, promote, sample and/or sell their products, goods and services at the various year round indoor and outdoor events and venues seasonally hosted by the Chamber and its associates including Circle of Sisters, NY Business Expo, HARLEM WEEK and Kwanzaa festivals. Careers & Jobs GHCC members, associates and their respective networks are always looking for talented individuals to partner with, support, or employ. GHCC and its members host several career and job fairs throughout the year.
Small business & MWBE partnerships are important to the development of our city
COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) aggressively maintains a commitment to support educational development on all levels from public schools to postgraduate degrees. Over the past four decades, GHCC has directly awarded in excess of two million dollars in scholarships and internships to students attending colleges and universities throughout the country and beyond. GHCC has also contributed to scores of community based educational and training programs and initiatives. In addition to providing scholarships, internships and grants, GHCC annually identifies and salutes outstanding teachers and educators. We also promote and encourage attending trade schools, colleges and universities by producing the annual Higher Education Fair and Expo each summer during HARLEM WEEK.
(top left) The historic entrance to The City College of New York, “A Mecca for Urban Education”; (top right) Students studying at the Computer Lab; (bottom left) State University of NY educatonal expo; (bottom left) Teens participate in the Silicon Harlem / Chamber HACK-A-THON
H E A LT H Y
LIVING
“Healthy Eating & Healthy Living” is a year round initiative of the GHCC Health Committee. In partnership with its member hospitals, health plans, HMO’s, health professionals, educational institutions, media partners, food service providers, recreational facilities, senior centers, elected officials, government agencies, the Office of the Mayor of the City of New York and the Office of the Governor of New York State. The Healthy Eating & Healthy Living campaign was created to help residents, families, students, workers and businesses located in Upper Manhattan live healthier, happier and more productive lives.
S & afe Ed ty uc at io
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GHCC recognizes the many positive economic benefits received by our businesses when their customer bases and employees are healthy. The Health Committee of GHCC is comprised of doctors, health practitioners, educators, hospitals, educational institutions, HMO’s, health service providers, civic and professional health service organizations.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23 THRU SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015 PRESENTED BY
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For more information please call (212) 862-7200 or visit www.harlemdiscover.com/urbanheatlh
(top left) O.G.S. A.C. Powell, Jr. Plaza Healthy Foods Farmers Market (bottom left) Dr. Leon MerricK of Merrick Dental Studios (right) Our Annual National Urban Health Conference
Among its many accomplishments, the Health Committee of GHCC created the National Urban Health Conference held annually in the spring and launched International Wellness Week in conjunction with The New York Academy of Medicine and the World Health Organization. GHCC annually hosts the NYC Economic Development Day Health Conference, the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run/Walk and supports the NYS Office of General Services’ twice weekly, spring, summer & fall public Farmers Market (featuring fresh produce, herbs, baked goods, etc.) on the plaza of the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office.
S . T. E . M . h a s b e c o m e S . T . E . A . M . ( S c i e n c e Te c h n o l o g y E n g i n e e r i n g A r t M a t h ) Technology & Social Media By aggressively promoting and utilizing an updated myriad of electronic media options, GHCC is able to communicate on an ongoing basis, directly with its members and associates. Our objective is to inform and update our members of business opportunities available to promote their products, goods and services to a broader base of our members & associates as well as to the expanding public and private sectors. GHCC hosts several strong websites including: GreaterHarlemChamber.com HARLEMWEEK.com HarlemMusicFest.com Additionally, Chamber activities and those of our members can now be accessed on Facebook, Twitter and our very own HARLEMWEEK app available through the Apple Store or Google Play. Each is a vital part of our new and ever growing “E” strategy.
Technology has completely changed practically every aspect of our lives. For the foreseeable future, the advent of the digital age will be a catalyst to bring our society together or, if not properly expanded, may well keep it divided. The Chamber in partnership with Silicon Harlem, under the leadership of Congressman Charles Rangel, Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer and other supportive institutions and individuals, has created a series of annual events to help young and old in urban America to close the “digital divide” and successfully navigate the digital age for professional and personal benefit. Along with regional educators and artists, the Chamber has and will give serious consideration to the role the arts can and will play in these exciting technological times. It has been stated that – “the arts will build the 21st century workforce” in this digital world. With that in mind, we have expanded on S.T.E.M. The Chamber, in partnership with Silicon Harlem, and Congressman Rangel kicked off its year round S.T.E.A.M. INITIATIVE during
HARLEM WEEK 2015. The initiative included a series of events and activities designed to demystify technology for our seniors and to encourage our children and youth to actively participate in the learning experience. Annually, Silicon Harlem and the Chamber will offer to the community: • A Technology Pavilion for children 12 to 16 and their families at “A Great Day in Harlem” • “Demystifying Technology” Conferences for New York City Senior Citizens • Youth Education & Career Conference 2.0, for students and young adults ages 13 to 22 focused on 21st century careers. The conferences will feature “Hackathon” panel discussions and “app concept” competitions • A NY City Economic Development Day Technology Conference - featuring discussions on digital economic development and inclusion for small businesses, professional service providers, and community-based service organizations. • The HARLEM WEEK “Tech Games” were designed to make technology more proficient for children at earlier ages, to stimulate their
minds, develop interest, and make S.T.E.A.M. fun as well as to challenge children at the “Back to School” NY City Children’s Festival. Throughout the year there will be various “meetups” and conferences taking place on a monthly basis to support the overall effort.
(above) Young Students paricipating at the S.T.E.A.M Youth Career Conference
HARLEM MUSIC FEST Harlem Music Fest was created to celebrate the music, dance, entertainment and theatrical events that historically represent Harlem’s iconic reputation that in fact
“Harlem Is Music…”
HMF launched in June 2014 at Lincoln Center with the NY Philharmonic as it honored six-time Broadway Tony Award Winner, Audra McDonald. This event formally kicked off the Harlem Music Fest. The first public event took place in July 2014 and continued for a 5 week period through Aug. 2014.
In 2015 the festival included multiple entertainment events traversing the various musical genres of Harlem from R&B to Jazz, Gospel, Latin, Classical, Caribbean, Blues, Rock, Dance and Hip Hop. HMF 2015 enjoyed extensive media coverage and was featured and promoted on television, radio and with our print partners throughout the region, nationally and internationally. HMF community partners include: Harlem Arts Alliance, HARLEM WEEK, Jazzmobile, Apollo Theater, The City College of New York Center for the Arts, Harlem Summer Stage, National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Harlem
School of the Arts, Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, Harlem Community Development Corporation and The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. HMF regional partners are: NYC & Company, I Love NY, Emmis Communications, NJ Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Jeffery Richards Associates, The Shubert Organization and Sunshine Sachs. In addition to producing events in New York City, HMF will also produce music events in upstate New York, Newark, NJ, Havana Cuba, Osaka Japan, Martinique and the Netherlands.
HMF’s Honorary Chairman is Congressman Charles B. Rangel and its Executive Board members include iconic names in radio, entertainment, promotions, public relations and special events production: Deon Levingston, Radio Industry Executive; Donna Walker-Kuhne, NJPAC; Chuck Jackson R&B great; Lloyd Price, Rock & Roll great; Voza Rivers, Harlem Arts Alliance; Kelly Ann Curtin, NYC & Company; Ray Chew, Music Director; Charles Flateman, The Shubert Organization; Doug E. Fresh, Hip Hop great; Irene Gandy, Jeffrey Richards Associates; Dionne Warwick, Music legend; Ken Sunshine, Sunshine Sachs and Kenneth Knuckles, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone.
To p P h o t o s l - r : T i t o P u e n t e & C e l i a C r u z • A r e t h a F r a n k l i n • A l i c i a K e y s • M a r c A n t h o n y • D i o n n e W a r w i c k • J o h n L e g e n d • F r a n k S i n a t r a
PUBLIC SAFETY
In support of our mission to improve the quality of life in the communities that we serve the Chamber has established a comprehensive Public Safety initiative. Partnering with leaders in the fields of education, law enforcement, health, government and community development we have focused on integrating public safety awareness and actions into all of our activities. The Chamber maintains a strong relationship with local law enforcement and the Office of the New York City Police Commissioner which allows for an ongoing dialogue and the opportunity to advocate directly on those matters affecting our constituents.
Members of the Board of Directors of the Chamber have played a leadership role on several initiatives to keep this critical issue at the forefront, including: National Night Out community-building campaign with local law enforcement to promote police-community partnerships and camaraderie; increase communication and positive interactions; and to provide access to and information about programs for youth Our Lives Matter anti-violence campaign includes educational forums, community walks for peace, action meetings with clergy, elected officials & civic leaders;
(above) Recenlty completed D.O.T. Public Safety cross-walk project on Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd
recognition of leaders in the fight against gun violence and gun buy-back programs. Safe Streets Redesign (working in concert with our community boards) including timed crosswalk signs, wider pedestrian crosswalks & traffic islands, designated turning lanes and better street lighting. Youth Development We have supported and participated in the Police Cadets and Explorers programs that provide leadership and business training to youth and young adults.
KEY HARLEM WEEK EVENTS The Chamber and HARLEM WEEK annually join forces to offer an array of opportunities for its members, sponsors, residents and visitors to experience multiple activities highlighting the rich cultural and economic vitality of our communities. The invitational HARLEM WEEK Gala opening and closing receptions each year are cohosted with various public and private institutions including Sardi’s, NJPAC, Gracie Mansion, Museum of the City of New York, the NY Philharmonic, Apollo Theater, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Aaron Davis Hall, The Russian Tea Room, Harlem Hospital Center and others. These receptions include live performances by Broadway Theater companies; all-star bands playing great live music; the presentation of special congressional, gubernatorial, Mayoral and borough proclamations,
Chamber college scholarships, educational grants and recognition of New York City’s outstanding community service providers and business honorees. During HARLEM WEEK, the Chamber produces NYC Economic Development Day in partnership with Columbia University and The City College of New York. This event attracts thousands of attendees and is covered in a major way by the daily and weekly press including: print, radio, television and cable. “A Great Day in Harlem” takes place annually on the last Sunday in July. It is the first public event of HARLEM WEEK. Each year in excess of forty-five thousand attendees gather for a day of family activities including performances by local art institutions. The day also includes a re-
(top left) Photo of the awesome HARLEM DAY crowd on W 135th St;. (bottom left ) Our young grand marshals at the “NY City Children’s Festival”; (right) HARLEM WEEK’s “Fashion Fusion” Showcase
KEY HARLEM WEEK EVENTS (CONT.) gional R&B, gospel and Jazz concert hosted by WBLS- FM/WLIB-AM, WBGO-FM, 103.9 FM and the NY Amsterdam News as well as an international “fashion fusion” showcase with local, national and global designers and models. We conclude the day with our “Concert Under the Stars.” This segment is hosted by WBLS- FM and the NY Daily News with presentations by some of the hottest names in the music industry. Some of the past performers include: Tito Puente, Boyz II Men, Lionel Hampton, Hezekiah Walker, Nancy Wilson, Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes, Eddie Palmieri, John Legend, Eric Benet, Celia Cruz, The Mighty Sparrow, Johnny Gil, Ashford & Simpson Motown The Musical and The Color Purple to name a few. HARLEM DAY’s now famous Upper Manhattan Auto Show annually attracts the best of antique and vintage automobiles as well as showcasing new cars, motorcycles and hybrid/green vehicles. National and international auto manufacturers and regional
dealerships highlight their best buys of the year. The day begins with a magnificent parade of vehicles throughout historic Harlem The outdoor NY City Health Village takes place on HARLEM DAY in partnership with GHCC’s Health Committee. Major hospitals, health service providers, pharmaceutical companies, institutions of higher learning and health practitioners offer free health testing, dissemination of health materials and medical advice. NY City Senior Citizens’ Day “Elders Jubilee,” which takes place in the first week of August, is where we celebrate NY City’s senior citizen communities with an extraordinary variety of activities including an expo featuring health information, health screening; senior employment opportunities; a superb luncheon; award presentations; and a grand senior hat fashion show.
(top left) Auto maker, Honda, displays its new cars at the Upper Manhattan Auto Show (bottom left) Exercise is promoted on Senior Citizens’ Day (right) ESPN’s reknown radio and TV star Stephen A. Smith broadcasts live from HARLEM WEEK
RADIO PROGRAMS The Chamber’s Media Committee hosts and co-produces two monthly radio shows. The first show, on the last Tuesday of each month, highlighting activities and initiatives of the Chamber, is featured on WHCR-FM from 4:00PM to 5:00PM. This show is co-produced and hosted by the Chamber’s Vice President for Programs, in concert with Chamber and HARLEM WEEK Board members. The second show, on the last Sunday of each month, on WBLS-FM and WLIB-AM highlights the key regional/national news stories of each month, from 8:00PM to 9:00PM. On this show, anchored by the Chamber president and its 1st Vice Presiident is co-hosted by renowned radio personality Imhotep Gary Byrd, as they discuss a myriad of topical issues.
NY CITY MA R ATH O N • “T H E H AR L E M M I L E S”
Women runners in the NY City Marathon at the 22 mile mark in Harlem.
The “HARLEM MILES” of the NY City MARATHON is a Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and New York Road Runners jointly sponsored initiative. In partnership with Harlem Arts Alliance, WBLS-FM, WLIB-AM, HOT97-FM, WHCR-FM, NY, WBGO-FM, Daily News, NY Amsterdam News and New York Black Publishers, this event takes place each year on the first Sunday in November. New Yorkers, regional, national and international visitors are invited to come out and greet the marathoners and their guests. The Chamber’s Health Committee proudly hosts the “HARLEM MILES” segment of the NYC
Marathon. This 42 block segment extends from 138th St. & 5th Ave. to 96th St. & 5th Ave. and promotes the Chamber’s “Healthy Eating & Healthy Living” campaign to tens of thousands. The extraordinary musical ‘ sounds of Harlem’ are captured at the five stages located along the “HARLEM MILES” route highlighting jazz, gospel, R&B, calypso, Latin, reggae, blues, dance, rock and hip hop. The live music is thoroughly enjoyed by audiences of tens of thousands of local, regional, national and international spectators as well as the marathoners along 5th Avenue from 138th Street to
110th Street. Each year “MARATHON WEEK IN HARLEM,” a seven day tribute to the NYC Marathon extends from the last Monday of October through the first Sunday of November, and invites all local residents, New Yorkers, national and international visitors to “DISCOVER OUR HARLEM”. It also features unique shopping and dining at specially selected international Harlem restaurants, open houses at historic arts, cultural and religious institutions, and opportunities to experience the musical ‘ sounds of Harlem’ throughout the week at uptown nightclubs and theatres.
Some of the 55 thousand runners as they cruise through “The Harlem Miles.”
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS The increasing global nature of our economy presents greater opportunities for the Chamber to build on and leverage its strong international relationships and to provide our members and associates increased access to world-wide marketplaces. GHCC International Relations Committee has, on behalf of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, undertaken partnerships with Cuba, South Africa, Japan, Netherlands, Canada, Brazil, Martinique, Puerto Rico, and many other Caribbean nations to encourage tourism, product awareness, “businessto-business” collaborations, educational exchanges, familiarization trips and international student exchanges. Each year the GHCC International Relations Committee co-chaired by Louis Katsos, works closely with its international partners to create business, education, trade, health and tourism initiatives.
SOUTH AFRICA
In addition to constantly exploring ways to do business across borders, GHCC also supports worldwide humanitarian efforts where needed. The Chamber and its partner organizations have lead, participated in and supported various relief efforts by raising awareness, and assisting in providing funds and other desperately needed medical supplies, equipment and materials. GHCC also actively supports and partners with the annual New York CARIB News Multi-National Business Conference hosted by Karl & Faye Rodney which takes place in November of each year in the Caribbean or Latin America. In 2015 we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the CARIB News/Chamber collaboration. (top left) GHCC board member, Lou Katsos, President, Jekmar Associates Inc., moderates the American Metropolis Conference with the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce; (bottom left) Famed Japanese Taiko Drummers visit Harlem; (top right) National Seal of one of our international partners, South Africa; (center right) The 20th NY Carib News Multi-National Business Conference supported by the Chamber; (bottom right) Crest of the Republic of Cuba
CUBA
A R T S & C U LT U R E The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) places the arts and culture of our communities among its top priorities. The Arts and Culture committee of the Chamber has formed a strong partnership role with Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA), the reknowned benchmark New York arts service organization. This partnership has brought about the creation and presentation of multiple events highlighting the enormous contributions that arts and cultural organizations, artists and related professionals are making to improve the quality of life in NY City and beyond. During Black History Month (February), the GHCC Arts and Culture Committee hosts a theatrical initiative entitled “Blacks on Broadway and Beyond” whereby several established artists are featured and some Grand Dame of modern dance, Judith Jamison
lesser known theatrical personalities and institutions are honored for their contributions, support of and commitment to arts, culture and theatre. Annually, during Women’s History Month (March), the GHCC Arts and Culture Committee pays tribute to extraordinary women. Past honorees have included Dionne Warwick, Gloria Lynne, Nancy Wilson, Phyllis Hyman, Patti Labelle, Billie Holiday, Vivian Robinson, Robin Bell Stevens and Audra McDonald to name a few. During Black Music Month (June) the GHCC Arts and Culture Committee partners with a number of major New York based music and cultural organizations to promote an array of music sounds coming from and throughout the African Diaspora. HARLEMMUSICFEST Hit Broadway Musical
ARTS & CULTURE (CONT.) Each year during HARLEM WEEK, in concert with the GHCC Arts and Culture Committee, Jazzmoblie, NJ PAC, HAA, Harlem Summer Stage, the Chamber recognizes and inducts music greats into the Harlem Music Fest Hall of Fame. Past honorees have included: Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Nancy Wilson, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Celia Cruz, Ella Fitzgerald, Tito Puente, Stevie Wonder, Sara Vaughn, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Lionel Hampton, Dave Valentin, Gloria Lynne, Chuck Jackson, Ruth Brown, Paul Shaffer, Pattie Labelle, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Berry Gordy to name a few.
Ella Fitzgerald performs in front of Duke Ellington & Benny Goodman in Harlem, NYC (1948)
Also during HARLEM WEEK, the GHCC Arts and Culture Committee and HARLEM Arts Alliance, in concert with Jazzmobile, Apollo Theater, Harlem Summer Stage, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Harlem School of the Arts, National Jazz Museum in Harlem, New Heritage Theatre, Studio Museum in Harlem, Upper Manhattan Empow-
erment Zone, ImageNation, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, the National Park Service, NYC & Company and others, come together to market, promote and present a number of outstanding free cultural programs and activities that attract tens of thousands residents, New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. Harlem Arts Advocacy Month (HAAM) kicks off the 1st week in October. It celebrates and brings together the artists and business community. Collectively GHCC & HAA advocate and showcase Harlem’s Cultural Assets. HAAM supports these assets by requesting additional investment and presentation opportunities in the arts, for artists, institutions, restaurants and cultural nightlife. The culminating event is jointly hosted by GHCC and HAA at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Internationally reknowned Jazz icon, HARLEM WEEK co-founder Ornette Coleman
STRIVERS ARTS & CULTURE DISTRICT Strivers Arts & Culture District is the recently established Harlem (residential & commercial) District located between West 134th St. and West 136th St. from St. Nicholas Avenue to 5th Avenue. It was created to support, serve and preserve the special interests and needs of Harlem’s world renowned reputation and history in culture, the arts, religion and education. This creative initiative is being done in partnership with the Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA) and The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), supported by Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ), Harlem Community Development Corporation (HCDC) and Manhattan Community Board #10 to create a targeted residential, retail, commercial, arts, culture, religious & educational district in the heart of central Harlem. The residential objective of the collaborative, led by The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Harlem Arts Alliance in partnership with New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and The City College of New York, is to preserve much needed, affordable housing units (studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments) that will be earmarked in the main for the above referenced communities. The Chamber, HAA and The New York City Economic Development Corporation will also collaborate with UMEZ, HCDC and Community Board #10 to identify and reserve affordable commercial, retail, and professional spaces to support the Strivers Arts, Culture and Educational Zone initiatives.
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A R & LE M C U LT ST U RI R E VE D R’ IS S TR A IC RT T S