HARLEM WEEK began in 1974 as HARLEM DAY, which was a one-day tribute to Harlem¹s glorious history and to a community of people who live, work, play, learn and worship together. It was a day of encouragement to New
Yorkers in general and Harlemites in particular who had struggled for some years to see a positive future for Urban America.
In response to the overall malaise surrounding Harlem, a small group of concerned residents ‹ decided to
fight back. Motivated by the cultural richness of Harlem, surrounded by its architectural beauty and its potential for greatness, this proactive group united forces and HARLEM DAY ‹ the abbreviated predecessor of HARLEM WEEK‹ was born. The intent was to put
Harlem back at the forefront of urban, cultural, ethnic, educational, political, recreational and religious leadership
Each year thereafter produced a new activity highlighting another of the many positive and relevant aspects of the African-American, Latino, Caribbean-American, and European-American cultures of Harlem. The success
of HARLEM DAY shortly led to HARLEM WEEK, (which now covers most of the month of August) and eventually gave impetus to other ethnic communities locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally to create similar community development initiatives.
However, what most likely catapulted HARLEM WEEK into an international event was the participation of President Robert Mugabe of the newly liberated Zimbabwe in an emotional speech on HARLEM DAY before an
enthusiastic audience of more than 2,000 people. Mugabe warmly thanked America for its support of his country¹s liberation efforts.
Over the course of 33 years, HARLEM WEEK has become America¹s largest cultural celebration. Each year, we attract millions of individuals to Harlem, the world¹s most famous neighborhood to share our traditions,
new trends, and incomparable ³uptown style² with them.
