Two Afternoons in Harlem

"A Good News Report"

The newspapers daily recount the number of shootings taking place in urban America by black and Latino youth.  The television commentators and radio announcers cover these glaring statistics like clockwork churning out a dismal picture for us all. Each day I listen and read the papers and get weary.  I long for headlines that extol the virtues of young people of color doing wonderful things.  I wait for the day when I can watch television and see the highlights of our achievements that I know occur on a daily basis.  It is an imperative that we witness and share young people’s daily contributions to our society—right where they live, work and attend school. 

Over two weekends I attended two exceptional programs that shine a ray of hope on what otherwise could be a bleak reality. These two organizations support, engage and highlight the value and strength of our young people.

The NAACP held a great debate between the historic black college, Howard University and the prestigious Columbia University. This debate between two venerable institutions squared off in central Harlem at the First Corinthians Baptist Church. When my friend Geoff Eaton, President of the mid-Manhattan NAACP and senior staff member to Congressman Charles B. Rangel initially informed me about the debate, I was intrigued. This special programming, I was told, was created by the National NAACP based on the 2008 film, The Great Debaters, directed by and starring Denzel Washington and produced by Oprah Winfrey.  If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend it. The film is based on an article written about the Wiley College debate team in Texas; an historic black college that during the 1930’s James Farmer, who at that time was only 14 years old, was a prominent member.  (James Farmer, by the way, later co-founded the Congress of Racial Equality.)  The Wiley debate team became well known when it took on and won the debate over the reigning debate champions from the University of Southern California.

I was excited and curious to see how the tradition of debating would be received in our village of Harlem.  As I entered the sanctuary of First Corinthians Baptist Church, I was unable to find a seat in the orchestra because the main level of the church was filled to capacity with young people and families. I was escorted to the balcony level. There, I surveyed the number of people in attendance which must have been well over 1000 people of all races and nationalities.  I was delighted to see so many people of color and students witnessing this debate between Howard and Columbia Universities. 

The debaters from both schools were poised, articulate, intelligent, strategic and comfortable.  I was impressed with the performance and by the end of the afternoon, it was clear that both debate teams were winners.

This event did not garner headlines in the newspaper nor was it captured on television. But this “Harlemite” was pleased to be there and anxious to write about it.  It took place right here where I live and work.  It was a well needed respite from the daily barrage of bad news about our young people.

On another Saturday afternoon, after receiving a call from my partner and “all things Harlem,” Jamal Joseph— I learned that Harry Belafonte was going to attend Impact Repertory Theatre’s weekly workshop at Columbia University’s Prentice Hall.  This workshop is attended by 40-50 young people from the Harlem community and beyond who come to perform, participate in workshops, engage in leadership training and explore the creative arts.  Jamal and I co-founded this youth program fifteen years ago.  It combines training in the spoken word, musical theater, dance, poetry and song-writing with youth leadership development and “art-ivism” –which means using art and activism to change the world. 

I watched Mr. Belafonte witness our work with great pride.  This “icon” came out to see how we teach art as a vehicle to empower disadvantaged youth by passing on the knowledge, skills and tools needed to build self-esteem and bring about personal and social change. 

At the end of the workshop, Mr. Belafonte spoke.  He talked about how remarkable our young people were and extended his stay with us for more than two hours!  For a person of Harry Belafonte’s status and commitment to social change, coupled with his activism to spend so much time with us, well— we were all blessed to be in his presence. 

After Mr. Belafonte left, our young people reaffirmed their commitment to our mission.  Each one stepped up and further embraced the concept of being better citizens and role models for their family, friends and community.  It was a touching moment for us all.

There are great things happening in Harlem and beyond, great things that involve children of color, many of whom start life with very little but who demonstrate the courage, determination and will power to keep going.  They are working hard to make a difference. 

I am convinced that we all must bear witness to these “acts of valor” and share our stories widely. Only in this way can we combat the negative images we get from the media and find joy and satisfaction daily.

This was a wonderful two weekends in Harlem and there is more to come.