06/08/2026
・・・
Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Group proudly invite you to the launch of harlem is . . . IMMIGRANT STORIES, a community celebration through music, storytelling, and community dialogue in honor of six local leaders.
Monday, June 29, 6:30pm
Harlem Hospital Center, 506 Malcolm X Blvd./Lenox Ave (135th street)
FREE
RSVP required to [email protected] (or via link in bio)
At this time when the federal government is using immigration policy not to celebrate but to demonize, we proudly celebrate these local leaders who have contributed so much to the rich tapestry of Harlem
Honorees include:
— Janet Rodriguez, of Dominican heritage, founder of groundbreaking SoHarlem, incubator for textile jobs.
—Arturo O’Farrill, Mexican-born, Grammy award-winning musician and founder of Casa Belongó Music and Arts Center, in East Harlem.
—Tomo Mori, Japanese-born painter, collage, textile, and fiber artist and Children’s Art Carnival communications manager
—Cisse Elhadji, Senegal-born, renowned chef and owner of Ponty Bistro and three other Harlem restaurants.
—Joanna Castro, of Venezuelan and Irish-American heritage, Senior Director of Programs for West Harlem Development Corp.
—In memoriam, Jamaican-born community leader Lloyd A. Williams, former president and chief executive of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Harlem Week.
Performers include:
· The Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats
· The Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir
· Storyteller Dr. Linda Humes of Yaffa Cultural Arts
· Drummer Sanga of the Valley
The evening will conclude with a community dialogue on immigration’s cultural, economic, and artistic impact on Harlem led by Desiree Elder, artistic director of New Heritage Theatre Group.
The event also includes a visit to the harlem is…exhibition.
Support for harlem is . . . Immigrant Stories provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Harlem Community Development Corporation.
