Barbara Horowitz, founder of Community Works, and Voza Rivers, founding member of New Heritage Theatre Group, now celebrating its 61st anniversary, joined together on June 29th to present Harlem Is… Immigrant Stories at Harlem Hospital Center.
“Harlem is a home of immigrants known for its rich and diverse culture, its flavorful foods, rhythmic and thought-provoking literature, and the extraordinary tapestry of people from every corner of the world who have arrived, planted roots, and made this community what it is,” said Rivers. “It continues to shine as the Black Metropolis.”
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Six inspirational community and cultural change-makers were all present in that room, some born right here in New York City and others who arrived from countries around the world, each honored for the extraordinary contributions they have made to this city.
Janet Rodriguez, of Dominican heritage, founder of the groundbreaking SoHarlem, an 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 communications manager of Children’s Art Carnival. 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 Corporation. And honored in memoriam, Lloyd A. Williams, Jamaican-born community leader, former president and chief executive of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of HARLEM WEEK.
“Lloyd’s presence was felt in every corner of that room,” Rivers noted warmly.
The evening was brought to life by an extraordinary group of performers, the Fat Cats Youth Orchestra, the Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir, storyteller Dr. Linda Humes of Yaffa Cultural Arts, and drummer Sanga of the Valley. “Over the years I have had the privilege of promoting the Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir through the HARLEM WEEK Festival,” said Rivers. “Seeing them on that stage again filled my heart.”
The evening concluded 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. Guests also visited the Harlem Is… exhibition.
Harlem Is… Immigrant Stories is supported by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Harlem Community Development Corporation.
“I have lived 80 years and worked 60 of them right here in Harlem,” Rivers reflected. “And one truth has never changed, Harlem is an immigrant city. It always has been. The Black Metropolis has always belonged to everyone who chose it.”
