Expectations

When many people come to Harlem, they bring with them deeply held romantic expectations of Black America's most infamous neighborhood. You will see black people, that's for sure. But for some there's a deeper sentimental yearning. Perhaps a stronger sense of a vibrantly congealed community: Well dressed black men in suits, jazzy speakeasies, catching the "holy ghost"from storefront churches, a macaroni and cheese station, The Weed Man, block parties, number runners, house rent parties, and vestiges of activism exemplified by our beloved Malcolm X. However, the cultural renaissance that made Harlem's mark was over seventy years ago. Our latest sustained revival is all about the greenbacks with a touch of cultural panache. And it ain't going nowhere.

When you come to Harlem you've got to dig for remnants of cultural historical relevance. And it can't be done in one day. There's the architecture of Sugar Hill, Striver's Row, Hamilton Heights, and The Mount Morris Park Historic District. Then there's the Lenox Lounge right around the corner. Hot. The newly opened Minton's Place for jazz nostalgics, historians, and lovers. And for grease spoon brick weighing soul food: Amy Ruth's, Ole Reliable's and Slyvia's.

These are all obvious paths to take towards getting to know Harlem better. But I've got the passionate Harlemite aficionado's guide on how to work your stay in Harlem. Hell, you might just move here when I'm through with you.

There's much to be discovered: George Fiason's firehouse, The Harlem Writer's Guild, Parlor Entertainment,The Langston Hughes House, and St. Nick's Pub for starters....doing the damn thing in continuing the legacy of Harlem.

I will break all of these places down in the blogs to come...