Women’s History Month provides a time of empowerment, celebration, and acknowledgement of women and their many contributions and achievements. Their struggles and sacrifices have, historically, improved society and increased opportunities for not only the betterment of women, but also for society as a whole. During this Women’s History Month, women-owned neighborhood favorite Harlem Shake has collaborated with Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH), a 28-year-old organization that helps girls develop, flourish, skate, and more, by celebrating with “Sweet Lena,” a strawberry cheesecake milkshake named after the iconic Lena Horne, and inspired by Figure Skating in Harlem’s ice show, “Harlem to Hollywood.”
DarDra Coaxum, co-owner of Harlem Shake, remembers being a young girl in Harlem. She understands how essential a program like Figure Skating in Harlem is for the community. “It is important to us at Harlem Shake that these young women know they are supported and celebrated by those in their own neighborhood,” said Coaxum. “It was only fitting for us to collaborate with [FSH] for Women’s History Month with such a delicious milkshake named after another female icon who went from Harlem to Hollywood.”
Making her Hollywood debut at 24, Lena Horne became a singer, actress, and civil rights activist. Her 1981 segment on CBS’ “60 Minutes” covered the excessive discrimination she dealt with, to the point where Horne couldn’t enjoy her fame. During the episode, Horne revealed that it took her 64 years to finally, “believe in my real self, yes!” and jokingly said, “Some people are late bloomers.”
Brenika Banks photo
AmNews writer Brenika Banks (left) and Harlem Shake co-owner DarDra Coaxum posing with the Sweet Lena and Red Velvet milkshakes. 
Harlem Shake co-owner DarDra Coaxum with menu favorites, including their newest Strawberry Cheesecake milkshake “Sweet Lena,” named in honor of Lena Horne. 
Menu items from Harlem Shake including their Impossible burger with bacon, the Sweet Lena Shake, DarDra truffle fries, a sandwich, and the Red Velvet Shake.
To this day, Horne’s legacy encourages women, especially other Black women, to pursue the careers they desire. Coaxum is appreciative of the women who have broken barriers, fought for equality, and paved the way for her to own a business. “As a Black woman, this month holds even deeper significance because it’s a reminder of the resilience and strength of Black women throughout history who have often been overlooked, but have always been the backbone of our communities,” said Coaxum. “It’s about creating spaces like Harlem Shake, where women feel seen, valued, and empowered.”
Jasmine Reed, development and marketing manager at Figure Skating in Harlem, expressed her gratitude towards women who have shaped culture, history, and advancement. “I believe we should celebrate women’s contributions year round, but this month provides a dedicated opportunity to truly pause and acknowledge the impact women have had on our everyday lives,” said Reed. She described FSH’s collaboration with Harlem Shake as a “perfect example of community uplift.”
According to Coaxum, part of the proceeds from “Sweet Lena” sales will support Figure Skating in Harlem. “We are a community-driven organization, and we cannot do this without our community’s support,” said Reed. “Every dollar raised helps keep our doors open and ensures that more girls in Harlem get to experience the transformative power of our program.
“Working with DarDra shows our students a powerful example of what it means to be a successful Black woman giving back,” said Reed. “We want them to see firsthand that they, too, can grow up to make an impact right here in Harlem — or anywhere they choose.” Figure Skating in Harlem students are witnessing their support system extending beyond their families and friends into the Harlem community.
Women’s History Month 2025 is particularly special for Figure Skating in Harlem because their history is being broadcast on a global platform. Reed shared how their Disney+ docuseries. “Harlem Ice,” tells the story of FSH and extraordinary young women. “As the first synchronized skating team of color in the world, we are making history ourselves,” said Reed. “This Women’s History Month, we’re not just celebrating the achievements of others — we’re celebrating our own accomplishments and showing the world that Black girls belong in every space, including the ice rink.”
Coaxum’s focus as a businesswoman is on honoring women who have shaped Harlem’s rich history and those who continue to contribute. She also shared that Harlem Shake is franchising and will expand to Philadelphia later this year.
Lena Horne, DarDra Coaxum and Jasmine Reed’s careers have surpassed socially expected gender norms while inspiring young women to dream big and achieve their goals. For more information, please visit www.harlemshake.com and www.figureskatinginharlem.org.
When Lena Horne first came to Hollywood, they told her to claim that she was Spanish to further her career. She refused to do so. During WWII when she went to army base to entertain the troops, she saw that the Black soldiers were in the back of the hall, while the Nazis prisoners were sitting up front with the white American soldiers. She exploded and gave them a piece of her mind. She was banned from Hollywood for 30 years and did not get another role until she played the Good Witch in the 70s musical, The Wiz.