Last week I was binge-watching the very cute and wonderful Netflix series “Forever,” created by Mara Brock Akil, which centers on the love and angst of two Black teens. In episode five, the story zooms in on Martha’s Vineyard and midway through the episode, a character asks, “Don’t you get tired of white people?” The mother of one of the angsty teens responds, “That’s why we spend all of this money coming up here in the summer,” to be in community with other Black folk. After the various turn-ups in Harlem this past weekend, I’m grateful that I do not have to leave my hood or spend gobs of money in order to be surrounded by people who look like me and who love to have a good time when gathered. Harlem is the original mecca of Blackness, and August, when we celebrate Harlem Week, is when we really show up and show out!
Saturday marked the first day of NYC Summer Streets in Manhattan. Billed as “400 blocks of car-free fun, fitness, and live entertainment,” Seventh Avenue from 123rd to 125th Streets serves as the official Harlem Rest Stop. Orisha Wholeness had a Zumba class, the Rakiem Walker Project featuring Glyra performed our fave R&B classics, and The Greater Refuge Temple was serving up hotdogs, icees and chips, and that’s just what I experienced in the hour that I strolled through before hopping on a bike, compliments of Unlimited Biking (only had to pay $2 for the hour long rental). The freedom and joy I felt cycling through Manhattan without cars, trucks, or mopeds running me off the road exhilarated every cell in my body and before I knew it, I was on 70th and Park Ave.
I returned home for my own personal rest stop so I could be refreshed for the Rise Up NYC concert taking place in front of The Apollo Theater that night featuring Big Daddy Kane, Harlem’s own Doug E. Fresh, and Johnny Gill. Hundreds of people packed Harlem’s main corridor to reminisce and sing along with our old hip-hop faves, but it never felt uneasy or crazy, which I must say is probably a result of the smart setup. The live stage was closer to 8th Ave and there was also a screen that streamed the show by 7th Avenue, so everyone was able to comfortably see the performances. And lemme tell you, when Kane hit 1-2-5, he did not half step! He blessed us with joints like “Ain’t No Half Steppin’,” “I Get The Job Done,” and of course, “Smooth Operator.” Sadly, I didn’t see Doug E. Fresh or get to hear “My, My, My” because, unlike everyone else who knew better and brought their own beach chair, I did not and could not stand around for another hour. No amount of Harlem nutcrackers would relieve the burn I was beginning to feel from biking earlier.
Then came Sunday, which marked the return of Sundae Sermon to Harlem, so all bets for rest on the Sabbath were off. Sundae Sermon, which started in Morningside Park 17 years ago, is more than a dance party. It’s a revival of joy and spirit through music led by DJ Stormin’ Norman. Located for the first time at Riverbank State Park, the beautiful backdrop of the Hudson made for the biggest Sundae Sermon yet! Five DJs — Ted Smooth, Ultra Violet, Masai, Cosi and Norman — kept us swaying to house, soul, and afrobeats. I ran into so many amazing people including educator and influencer Ericka Hart, publisher and model Musa Jackson, and beauty influencer Angelique Miles, and gave my calves another workout as I twirled to Stevie Wonder’s “As.” I got home and ate the yummiest chicken (you can’t go to 145th and not go to Malecon) and took an epsom salt bath. It was all beyond a vibe and a great way to (unofficially) kick-off #HarlemWeek.
* Summer Streets continues in Manhattan on Aug. 9 and 16.
Nicole can be found on Instagram @thehotnessgrrrl.