Duke Ellington When his drummer Sonny Greer was invited to join the Wilber Sweatman Orchestra in New York City, Ellington made the fateful decision to leave behind his successful career in Washington, D.C., and move to Harlem, becoming one of the figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select…

Eighty years ago this month on August 17, 1931–after a lovely day at the beach celebrating a friend’s birthday– A’Lelia Walker, my great-grandmother and namesake, died in Long Branch, New Jersey. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from…

I don’t know how many times I heard my aunt, Eartha, after whom I am named, tell this one particular story. According to her, I was three years old—telling everybody’s business—outside in front of her building with pen and paper, writing “a book.” I don’t remember that. Or even if I was able to write…

Toccara Jones, the vivacious and voluptuous fashion model and television personality Harlem resident, takes on the challenge of a lifetime when she puts her heart and soul into the search for her perfect mate as the bachelorette in the return of TV One’s popular reality series, The Ultimate Merger, premiering Thursday, August 4 at 9…

A’Lelia Walker carried a flask, especially after Prohibition became the law of the land. In her case, of course, the flask was sterling silver, befitting her love of fine things. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Harlem…

Vivian Randolph Her father purchased Madame C.J. Walker Enterprises when she was a little girl, now as president, the mother and avid reader is set to take the company to the next level in a new century. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I…

Thelma Golden has been at the Studio Museum in Harlem since the turn of the millenium, first as the deputy director for exhibits and programs, and, since 2005, as the museum’s director and chief curator. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would like…

Senator Chuck Allen III Scholarship Fund is now receiving applications for the 2011 Scholarship Fund season. Minority students are encouraged to apply. The Fund is seeking motivated high school seniors who exhibit leadership and are involved in the betterment of the community. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem…

The daughter of Madam C.J. Walker, A’Lelia Walker was the Kelis of the Harlem Renaissance. The arts patron, who loved expensive cars and jewelry. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Harlem World Magazine. (You can unsubscribe anytime)Constant…

A beloved East Harlem teen was the innocent victim of a coldblooded drive-by shooting early yesterday gunned down as she sat with friends in the courtyard of her mom’s apartment building, sources said. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would like to receive…