The 2025 global Earth Day observance will be held on April 22 to raise awareness and encourage adults and children to learn and engage in protecting the environment. On April 13, several organizations, families, and friends gathered in Harlem for a 2025 Earth Day Festival in St. Nicholas Park.
The Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA) hosted the community-action event in collaboration with Friends of St. Nicholas Park, The Trash Project, and Nasty New Yorkers.
Photos courtesy of the Tau Omega Chapter of AKA
Deidre Benton, a member of Tau Omega Chapter, a volunteer, and Co-Chair Kim Eatman, a member of the Tau Omega Chapter (right) prepare the roots of an oak tree for planting. 
Tye Woodson-Craig, chair of the event, pauses to smile while digging a hole for a sapling. 
Event Chair Tye Woodson-Craig (middle) and Co-Chair Kim Eatman (right) greet the crowd to welcome everyone to the Earth Day Event as DJ Kev Styles stands nearby.
“Earth Day holds special significance for Tau Omega Chapter because it allows us to spotlight the environmental challenges impacting the Harlem community. We believe in promoting collective responsibility to care for our green spaces — efforts like planting 100 saplings during our event are a reflection of that commitment,” said Valerie M. Henderson, president of the Tau Omega Chapter of AKA.
Harlem residents participated in park cleanup efforts, gardening workshops, environmental education sessions, face painting, and arts and crafts. They listened to music and received giveaway items. Some even stopped by the Nasty New Yorkers Pop-Up Store, which offered free clothing and household items to promote reuse and sustainability. The event reinforced each partnering organization’s commitment to ecological restoration and improving green spaces in urban communities.