Demetria Irwin

Harlem welcomes Vivrant Beauty to the neighborhood

Elegant. Fresh. Open. Welcoming. Those are words to describe the space where Vivrant Beauty in Harlem resides.

‘Lemonade’ is the Black woman power anthem

If Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” is the new Black power anthem, then Beyoncé’s entire “Lemonade” album is the new Black women power anthem.

Tanya Wright: A butterfly rising

Former child star Tanya Wright reflects on finding her way back to work after the loss of her brother.

Brooke Obie: A pen, faith and lots of love

“I know that God loves me.” That statement is what has kept writer and editor Brooke Obie afloat.

Jennifer Jones Austin: A survivor with a purpose

Jennifer Jones Austin may not speak from a pulpit every Sunday, but she views her role as executive director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies as her “calling.”

Daniel Jose Older’s ‘Shadowshaper’ is a magical must-read

If books were rated like video games, I would give “Shadowshaper” by Daniel Jose Older an “E” for everyone.

Harlem Arts Fest brings free family fun uptown

The fourth annual Harlem Arts Festival wrapped up over the weekend, and the event was a major success. The free, multi-day festivities held in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park drew more than 1,000 attendees.

Dr. Stephanie Desgrottes: Helping children in Haiti and Harlem

Dr. Stephanie Desgrottes is a pediatrician at Columbia Doctors, but her work with children and the community at large does not stop once she leaves her tiny patients for the day.