Harlem’s Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson

Ellsworth Raymond Johnson (October 31, 1905 – July 7, 1968) — known as “Bumpy” Johnson — was an American mob boss and bookmaker in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. 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…

Walter’s World: New Production at Faison Firehouse Theater

By Walter Rutledge [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CvQ6rAlMc4&w=560&h=349] The Faison Firehouse Theater will present The Word, The Game, The Dance on Friday June 3 at 8pm. 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 Contact…

Walter’s World: Three Black Kings- An Ailey Classic

By Walter Rutledge Three Black Kings was the last dance and music collaboration between choreographer Alvin Ailey and composer/musician Duke Ellington. 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 Contact Use. Please…

Walter’s World: Tearing Down the Walls

By Walter Rutledge Tearing Down the Walls is a new musical by Daniel Beaty. The production began a limited run at The Riverside Theatre on May 12th and will run until May 29th. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would like to receive…

Hamilton Grange National Memorial Restoration Update

Interior restoration work is continuing at Hamilton Grange National Memorial and state-of-the-art multimedia exhibits Visitor Center. Teams have recently begun work on the historic fireplaces, replacing damaged bricks and preparing the fireplaces to receive their facings. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would…

Walter’s World: The Intimate Art of Choreography

By Walter Rutledge The curtain rises, the music begins and the lighting illuminates the space directly in front of us. Within seconds movement begins to soothe the rush of anticipation. Be it a group, duet or solo the number of people is not important; there in the dark the human form carves away the negative…

Pair Accused Of Swindling National Black Theater

The statement below is from Michael Lythcott and Sade Lythcott, son and daughter of national Black Theater founder Dr. Barbara Ann Teer: “The National Black Theater has been part of the cultural foundation of Harlem for more than 40 years. Unfortunately, nefarious business practices and eventual abandonment by our investor group, Nubian Heritage, now threaten…

Rao’s Celebrates It’s 115th Year

Rao’s in East Harlem. There is no menu, no photos, no names to be mentioned, and you’ll most likely never get in. But, in the rare case that you do, it will be the experience of a lifetime. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes,…

My Cancer: Only A Small Part Of My Life II

I’m Still Here! My 1st article for Harlem World My Cancer: Only a Small Part of my Life was in October 2009, when I was into my 5th month living with brain cancer. Here’s a brief recap before I get into what’s been going on. I had surgery to remove the bulk of the tumor;…

Dining With Miss Lil: “Restaurant Week”

By Lil Nickelson “Restaurant Week” is held at different times and locations throughout the U.S. It showcases and promotes the finest food in eateries in each geographic region. You can enjoy creative, fresh three course meals from the area’s best restaurants for a fixed price. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s)…

Harry “Erik Weisz” Houdini In Harlem

Harry Houdini (born Erik Weisz; March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926) was a Hungarian-born American magician and escapologist, stunt performer, actor and film producer noted for his sensational escape acts. 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…

The Therapeutic Poet: Where Harlem Starts

I was heading up from Times Square to Powell and 125th to check out the exhibit at the Studio Museum. I was on Broadway, at 44th Street, ducking and dodging the meandering tourists. As the multitudes of tourists look up and around (any which way but straight ahead,) Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our…

Walter’s World: Romare Bearden: Idea to Realization

By Walter Rutledge Recently the exhibition Romare Bearden: Idea to Realization was on display at the DC Moore Gallery. The exhibition consisted of a series Maquettes by the artist. Maquettes are small-scale models or sketches for larger works; Bearden created these for murals, mosaics, and book projects. On March 4th the Romare Bearden Foundation co-…

My Cancer: Only A Small Part of my Life

By Collette Henry In hearing about the many people who have cancer, it never felt so real until I was diagnosed with brain cancer. I’m into my fifth month living with brain cancer. Well, it’s actually been five months since being diagnosed but no one can tell me exactly how long I’ve been living with…