51st Annual HARLEM WEEK Unveils Second Week of Festivities and Tributes
The 51st annual HARLEM WEEK is set to continue its celebration of culture, community, and economic empowerment with an exciting lineup of events for its second half. The festivities, which run from August 13 to August 17, are centered around the theme "Celebrate Our Magic" and will culminate with the iconic Harlem Day. The week will feature major tributes to cultural icons, including Harry Belafonte, Quincy Jones, Malcolm X, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Eddie Palmieri.
The week kicks off with the NYC Jobs & Career Fair on Wednesday, August 13, at the City College of New York. The event will host more than 40 employers from diverse fields, including technology, healthcare, and finance. Mount Sinai Health System's Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Jane Maksoud, noted their commitment to the community, stating, "As a leading health care provider in Harlem, Mount Sinai employs more than 4,000 Harlem residents. We are committed to expanding the number of Harlem residents we employ and look forward to connecting with area residents at the Jobs and Career Fair."
On Thursday, August 14, HARLEM WEEK will partner with Black Health Matters for the annual Summit & Expo at Riverside Church. Co-hosted by TV personality Cynthia Bailey and actor Timon Kyle Durrett, the event's theme is "Our Voice, Our Wellness. ADVOCATING FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW." Attendees can learn about various health topics, from autoimmune diseases to oncology, and engage with top health providers. The day also includes the Harlem Summerstage and the Uptown Night Market, offering live music and a global food experience.
The final weekend begins on Saturday, August 16, with Summer in the City, HARLEM WEEK's second-largest day of events. The day-long festival will feature performances by local and international artists, an urban fashion show honoring Harlem icon Momma Z, and a special salute to Latin music legends Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Eddie Palmieri by Bobby Sanabria's Big Band.
The celebration culminates on Harlem Day, Sunday, August 17. The event, the largest and final day of the week, will include three stages of entertainment, a Harlem Health Village, and performances from Broadway productions and artists across various musical genres. This year's Harlem Day will feature several special tributes:
Organized by the late Percy Sutton in 1974, HARLEM WEEK began as a one-day event to uplift the community during a period of economic hardship. As stated by Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce executive director Winston Majette, "While we mourn his loss, HARLEM WEEK will continue as planned. Our theme this year is 'Celebrate Our Magic,' which is fitting because Lloyd always celebrated the magic of his beloved community." The tradition, once hailed by Ossie Davis as the "Beginning of the Second Harlem Renaissance," continues to provide cultural programming, job opportunities, and a sense of unity to Harlem and the "Harlems of the World."