This Sunday will kickoff the beginning of the 39th Annual Harlem Week, a month-long series of events to celebrate not only Harlem, but also all urban communities.
“Harlem week is important for the urban areas of America that are predominated by persons of color,” said Lloyd Williams, a chairman of Harlem Week who’s been organizing the event since its origins in 1974.
“The objective is to encourage people in Bed-Stuy, Newark, Illinois, L.A. to celebrate their community,” Williams continued.
According to Harlem Week’s website, Harlem Week began in 1974 as one day of encouragement and fellowship in Harlem for New Yorkers. The festival has since grown to have more than 100 activities with events ranging from music concerts, film festivals, sporting events, fashion shows, and career fairs.
This year’s theme is “Living The Dream: Celebrating History.” It will pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of The March on Washington and the 150th Anniversary of The Emancipation Proclamation.
As part of the tribute, events this Sunday will take place at Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial Park.
“We chose that location because of the direct connection of President U.S. Grant because many of us remember him or think of him historically as the general in the Union Army. […] He was head of the Union Army, and he along with President Lincoln played a major role in bringing about the Emancipation Proclamation,” said Williams.
The festival will also celebrate the music of Stevie Wonder, who was a part of a movement to make Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday a national holiday in an event this Sunday titled “A NIght Under The Stars” with Ray Chew, music director of American Idol.
For a complete list of events visit http://harlemweek.com/calendar-of-events/.