48th The annual HARLEM WEEK returns August 12-21 for a 10-day live and virtual experience celebrating the people, arts, culture, entertainment and history that Harlem is known for around the world. Centered around the theme, “inspiration, the impactAND Legacy,’ the first week of this year’s HARLEM WEEK celebration will also include salutes to Harlem’s luminaries, featured musical performances, virtual dance parties, live streams and milestone events such as Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run/Health walk against gun violence, AND A big day in Harlem. This year’s celebration will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NBA, legendary Rucker Park and Harlem inductees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
“All New Yorkers are invited to take part in the HARLEM WEEK experience from August 12 to 21, as we pay homage to key elements of our city. Both seniors and children will be able to celebrate local education, restaurants, technology and theater,” said Lloyd Williams, Chairman of HARLEM WEEK. You will hear music ranging from Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, Soca, Latin, Caribbean, Afrobeat and more. Remember – you haven’t made this town until you’ve made it up, so make it Harlem. We look forward to seeing you!”
HARLEM WEEK kicks off on Friday, August 12, with the first major public event, Day of the elderly. Taking place at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, Senior Citizens Day events will include health demonstrations, health screenings, screenings, a demystifying technology panel, a senior hat fashion show and more a lot.
The celebration continues on Saturday, August 13 with Percy Sutton Harlem 5k Run & Health walk against gun violence.centered around the theme “Save Our Children,” the 2022 Race and Health Walk serves as a call to action against gun violence in our communities. Participants are encouraged to register here.
The first weekend of HARLEM WEEK will close on Sunday, August 14th with “A great day in Harlem,” which will include performances and appearances by the R&B artist Kenny Lattimore, Uptown Dance Academy, Artz, Roots & Rhythm, Impact Repertory Theatre, The Mama Foundation’s Sing Harlem Choir, Isn’t Her Grace Choir Amazing, and a Concert Under the Stars Salute to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” album with Ray Chew and the Harlem Music Festival All Stars.
HARLEM WEEK will also be experienced around the world virtually through its website, HARLEMWEEK.com with additional screenings, summits including Economic Development Day, the Health Summit, a Broadway Summit, the Harlem On My Mind Conversation series and the Village new Virtual Harlem where visitors can shop with exhibitors and vendors online as well as watch activities from the stage on an interactive platform on the site.
Additional brand events include:
- Courtesy of the NBA and Rucker Park: Ruckers ProLegends–Everyone Learns A Hall of Fame Reunion and Induction, Alhambra Ballroom (August 6); Harlem Basketball Legends Gala Honoring Tom “Satch” Sanders, Salem United Methodist Church (August 13); Philadelphia vs. Harlem All-Star Game, Rucker Park (August 14)
- Seniors Day (8/12): Recognizing that Harlem would not be the cultural staple it is today without the historic contributions of our seniors, HARLEM WEEK will honor our seniors by offering a variety of live and virtual summits and activities, including health services, a Technology panel Demystifying, Senior Hat Fashion Shows seniors and more. (10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building. Watch parts online via the HARLEM WEEK website.)
- Taking Adolescence: Code (8/12): The Apollo Teen Takeover returns live to the iconic Apollo Theater soundstage for an exclusively teen one-night-only event. On this magical night, guests are transported through music, dance and visual arts produced and presented by teenagers.
- Percy Sutton Harlem 5k Run & Anti-Gun Violence Health Walk: SAVE OUR CHILDREN (8/13): The Percy Sutton Harlem 5k & Anti-Gun Violence Health Walk “SAVE OUR CHILDREN,” sponsored by New York Road Runners and The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, has drawn runners and walkers from the Tri-State area. With the theme “SPEED UP OUR CHILDREN,” everyone is invited to join the walk and make a statement against gun violence in our communities. (8-12 noon)
- Big Jazz on the Big Hill (8/13): Bring a picnic, blanket and dancing shoes for Great Jazz on the Great Hill, featuring live music and dancing in a beautiful park setting. The event will feature performances from Jimmy Heath Legacy Band, Antonio Hart QuartetAND Tammy McCann. Enter Central Park at 106th Street and Central Park West. This event is presented by Jazzmobile and the Central Park Conservancy. (4-7pm; Great Hill at Central Park West)
- A big day in Harlem (8/14): The day will begin at 12pm with the opening of the International Village featuring vendors and exhibitors with items for sale ranging from arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, unique accessories, international food and more. Entertainment from the stage is presented in four segments. Artz, Rootz & Rhythm featuring local, community and emerging performers of various genres; Gospel Caravan with local, national and international gospel performers; and the day closes with the Under the Stars Concert with national and international performers performing backed by the Harlem Music Festival All-Star Band led by “Musical Director to the Stars” Ray Chew. (12-7pm; Ulysses S Grant National Memorial)
For a full list of events, please visit www.harlemweek.com.
