Melvin Stanton “Mel” Tapley Of The Amsterdam News

Melvin Stanton “Mel” Tapley was born in New York on May 29, 1918. In the 1920 U.S. Federal Census, the Tapley family of three lived in Cortlandt, New York at 1105 Park Street. His parents were Harry, a chauffeur, and Louise, and his age was recorded as nine months, which would make his birth in…

MTA Creates First Regional Transit Diagram for Super Bowl XLVIII

It’s being called the first “Mass Transit Super Bowl,” and this week, the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee revealed extensive public transportation plans for Super Bowl XLVIII, detailing how the region’s mass transit systems, including the MTA, will serve as a critical resource to support the movement of the hundreds of thousands of expected visitors…

Salters Scene: Black Girls Rock! 2013

On Sunday November 3, BET premieres Black Girls Rock! 2013. The organization founded by DJ Beverly Bond, provides mentorship for Black girls and pays tribute to Black woman and girls who have a positive impact on the community through an annual awards show. This year’s show, hosted by Actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross,…

Walter’s World: Camille A. Brown “Fun- Raiser”

By Walter Rutledge On October 10, 2011, Camille A. Brown held her second annual fundraiser. The festival event could be more accurately described “fun-raiser”. In addition to raising funds for her fledging company the evening honored two women who are still making vital contributions in dance; former dancer, turned singer and dance curator Danielle Gee…

Does This Bus Stop at 125h Street? #3 & #4

By Richard Daub This is part three and four in a six part series. Photo of the tour guide. I was also curious about what the outside perception of Harlem. Having grown up on Long Island in the 1980s, Harlem was simply a place that you did not go.

Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919) was an African-American businesswoman, hair care entrepreneur and philanthropist. She made her fortune by developing and marketing a hugely successful line of beauty and hair products for black women, under the company she founded, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company.