Harlem Week Exhibits the Unique Culture of the Community

Harlem Week Exhibits the Unique Culture of the Community
Harlem children are happy to learn about a healthy breakfast. (Helena Zhu/The Epoch Times)
8/17/2008
Updated:
10/1/2015

<a><img src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/09/111breakfast.jpg" alt="Harlem children are happy to learn about a healthy breakfast.  (Helena Zhu/The Epoch Times)" title="Harlem children are happy to learn about a healthy breakfast.  (Helena Zhu/The Epoch Times)" width="320" class="size-medium wp-image-1834191"/></a>
Harlem children are happy to learn about a healthy breakfast.  (Helena Zhu/The Epoch Times)
NEW YORK—It was a pleasant Sunday afternoon to celebrate the Harlem Week festival for its 34th anniversary. The celebration took place on 135th Street, in order to honor the unique cultures and unity of the neighborhood.

“Over the years, Harlem week is representing a time where Harlem can be shown off to the rest of the world,” said Marko Nobles, Vice Chairman of the event. “Where everything that takes place here, whether it’s music, whether it’s culture, whether it’s historical institution, whether it’s business, whether it’s tourism, all of these are showcases within the different events of Harlem.”

Along 135th Street, enthusiastic participants were given a photo opportunity with a large ice sculpture specially designed by Starbucks in the shape of a cup of coffee. A Zimbabwe booth of crafts displayed cute African paper dolls and delicate cultural bookmarks that could be purchased by visitors. Under the warm sun, there was also free juice available from SunnyD that brought coolness to everyone around.

People wearing “I Love Harlem” T-shirts wandered past the various tents to view and even partake in some of the activities, such as prize drawings and free facials. Many tourists also gathered around to watch the hand carving of juicy mangos into the shape of roses by a man from Mexico.

The YMCA was at the festival to encourage physical activities among residents of the Harlem community, as local vendors exhibited their gorgeous ethnic attire.

According to Marko Nobles, Harlem has been viewed as the “black cap” in the western world for many years, but it has actually always been a diverse community with over 90 languages spoken. Residents embrace the opportunity to celebrate the unique multiculturalism in Harlem on the day, and hope everyone will come and participate in what Harlem has to offer.

In the Children’s Festival section, Chef Linsey William, the grandson of the founder of Sylvia’s Soul Food Restaurant, taught Harlem kids and parents about preparing a delicious and healthy breakfast.

“Eating a healthy breakfast is important. It is a good start of your day, and it also helps out your brain when it is time to go to school,” said Chef William in an interview.

He also suggested that all kids should include multigrain cereals, proteins, and fruits in their morning breakfast. He showed the kids many options for a nutritious meal including strawberry milkshake, bananas, and honey Cheerios.