As HARLEM WEEK, the annual summer festival celebrating Black culture, excellence, and heritage, reaches its midway point, the festivities continue.
“A Great Day in Harlem” took place Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial Plaza from noon to 7 p.m. The event featured live music, vendors, and community programming, beginning with the International Village, where businesses and artisans showcased international cuisine, handcrafted goods, and local fashion.
Among the vendors was Soma Fashion, founded by Harlem resident Adama, whose handcrafted bags from Senegal celebrate West African culture. Also participating was Clymer Metal Crafts, led by master silversmith Walter Clymer, a HARLEM WEEK fixture since 2013 or 2014, according to his partner, who noted he has worked with fine silver throughout that time. First-time vendor NURILENS, the handcrafted eyewear line created by Dr. Juillet Nelson, also made an appearance.
Photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye
Nelson said she created the line after noticing the popularity of blue-light-blocking glasses among gamers.
“I discovered that gamers wear blue-light-blocking glasses to protect their eyes from sitting in front of a screen for hours, and I thought it would be a great value add to students and professionals,” she said.
Community organizations, including Rethink Food, also participated. The nonprofit partners with Harlem restaurants, including Manna’s, using donated funds to prepare and distribute meals throughout the community.
Photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye
Entertainment throughout the day included spoken-word performances by Impact, dance performances by African Mean Girls, and a tribute to Tony Bennett by Richard Smallwood.
“A Great Day in Harlem” brought together people of all ages, races, and backgrounds to celebrate Harlem’s legacy while supporting the local community.
“I feel really connected to HARLEM WEEK,” said Ina Louise Morris, a longtime HARLEM WEEK supporter and representative of the Black Film Festival organization. “Many good memories were formed here and will remain with me for a lifetime.”
For more information about upcoming events, visit HARLEM WEEK‘s website. The celebration continues with in-person and livestreamed events throughout the festival, proving that only in Harlem can you celebrate for two weeks straight.
