Harlem Week Celebrating Half-Century of Culture, History, and Art

Harlem Week, one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhood events, is marking its 50th anniversary with a dynamic array of activities for both locals and tourists. This annual celebration offers something for everyone, from music and food to career opportunities and cultural exhibits, highlighting the rich heritage of Harlem.

From now through August 18, Harlem will be alive with a series of exciting events, including concerts, food vendors, job fairs, themed days, and more. This year’s theme, “Celebrating the Journey,” reflects the event’s mission to provide “direction, hope, inspiration, leadership, focus, and unity” not just to the nation, but to the world.

Lloyd Williams, president of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, describes the event as embodying a “Harlem state of mind” that resonates beyond New York City. “When we talk about a Harlem state of mind, we recognize Harlem as the international capital of Black America, strategically located in Manhattan, the heart of global industries like banking, media, and entertainment,” Williams said in an interview with amNew York Metro.

He emphasized that Harlem Week’s message reaches communities far and wide, from Cicero, IL, and the south side of Chicago to New Orleans, Roxbury, MA, and Kingston, Jamaica. The event aims to inspire urban areas to celebrate the positive attributes of their communities.

“Too often, particularly in urban America, we focus on the negative. When we turn on the radio or TV, we hear about violence, drugs, and other negatives,” Williams said. “But we don’t hear enough about culture, history, education, and health. We aim to change that focus.”

What to Expect at Harlem Week 2024

The festivities kick off with the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run & Health Walk on August 10, starting at 8 a.m. on West 135th Street. On August 11, from 12 to 7 p.m., “A Great Day in Harlem” will take place at the Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial on Riverside Drive. This event will feature an international village with vendors, exhibitors, entertainment, and more.

Throughout the week, a variety of activities will lead up to the grand finale on August 18, which promises three stages of entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, and more.

The NYC Jobs & Career Fair: August 14

One of the highlights of Harlem Week is the NYC Jobs & Career Fair, held at City College of New York in Shepard Hall on August 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free fair will host over 50 exhibitors from private, nonprofit, and government sectors, offering New Yorkers the chance to meet potential employers and access career resources.

Government agencies such as the NYPD, FDNY, NYC Parks, FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service will be present alongside private sector companies like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Northwell Health, Mount Sinai Health System, and Con Edison.

Baron Carr, the senior producer of the fair, emphasized the event’s goal: “We want to help job seekers make connections. If attendees leave with an interview or a job, I’ll be thrilled.”

Harlem Week 2024 promises to be a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and opportunity, reflecting Harlem’s enduring influence and spirit.