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Writer's pictureGee Ruff

A Brief History Of Harlem Week And Why It's Important Today

Updated: Oct 14, 2022


Harlem Week has become one of the most celebrated weeks in New York City, attracting people from all over the country to celebrate and enjoy everything Harlem has to offer. However, many people do not know that Harlem Week was not always considered to be so successful or as important as it is today. The history of Harlem Week goes back decades, and it includes major events such as the Harlem Renaissance, Marcus Garvey’s Back-to-Africa movement, and landmark civil rights legislation passed by Congress.


What is Harlem Week?

Harlem Week is an annual celebration of African American culture and history in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. The event was founded in 1974 by business leaders and community activists to promote economic development in the area. Since then, it has grown into a citywide celebration that attracts millions of visitors each year.



How it all began

In 1974, the City of New York declared the second week of August Harlem Week in honor of the area's rich history and culture. For the past 45 years, Harlem Week has been a time to celebrate everything that makes Harlem unique. From concerts and festivals to educational events and community service projects, there is something for everyone during Harlem Week.


What does today look like?

Every August, New Yorkers of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the rich history and culture of Harlem. For over 40 years, Harlem Week has been a time to reflect on the past, present, and future of one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the world.


Why is this important today?

The event is a celebration of the neighborhood's vibrant past and present, and it serves as an important reminder of the significant role that African Americans have played in shaping New York City. In order to fully understand the importance of this week-long event, one must first look at the history behind Harlem Week.



What are the benefits of Harlem week?

Harlem Week is an annual celebration of the culture and history of Harlem. The event was founded in an effort to boost morale and bring people back to the neighborhood following the devastating effects of the 1971 Attica Prison Riots. The week-long event has grown over the years, but its mission remains the same: To educate those from other communities about Harlem and create a platform for unity through art, music, dance, theater, literature, poetry and more.

In recent years it has grown into a national campaign that celebrates diversity as well as Harlem’s cultural heritage.


Who runs Harlem week now?

Harlem week is now run by the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. The organization was founded in 1886. The GHCC works to promote economic development and cultural tourism in Harlem. The event is held annually and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to the arts, culture, and history of the United States.


Why is it important to support Harlem Week & Afro-American culture

Harlem Week is an important time to celebrate Afro-American culture and to support businesses in the Harlem community. The event started in as a way to bring people together after the devastating effects of the Harlem riot of 1964. Today, Harlem Week is a celebration of music, art, food, and history. It's a time to come together and support the vibrant community that is Harlem.

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