Description
Although world famous, Harlem may be New York’s best-kept secret with some of the city’s most interesting architecture, food, music, and people.
Harlem’s history is also one of the city’s most dramatic, having gone through many ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic changes over the past roughly 400 years, which have resulted in a diverse array of places of worship, theaters, homes and eating establishments.
Discover the streets where Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other cutting-edge Harlem Renaissance players put American music on the world map, where Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali and where Fidel Castro slept after being kicked out of a midtown hotel for having chickens in his room.
Tour Highlights
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Start your exploration at one of New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries, which serves as a cultural institution for the exhibition and preservation of African-American experience. Experience periodic exhibitions dedicated to The Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era, & The Black Lives Matter Movement.
- Abyssinian Baptist Church: Established over 220 years in New York City, and in Harlem since 1902, it is one of the oldest Baptist churches in the United States.
- Striver’s Row: Walk in this historic district of beautiful row houses with alleyways, rear shared and courtyards built in the 1890’s. Home to the likes of tap dancer and actor Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, heavyweight boxer Harry “BLACK PANTHER” Willis, Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. & William Marion Cook – 1st Black Broadway Musical composer.
- Bill’s Place: Located on Harlem’s original Swing Street, owner and Harlem jazz icon Bill Saxton performs with the best in the business, including American jazz and swing singer Billie Holiday.
- Sylvia’s Restaurant of Harlem: A 3rd generation family owned business started by Sylvia Wood, also known as the “Queen of Soul Food”, and has served authentic soul food to the community and notable people alike since 1962.
- Clinton Foundation: Located in Harlem since 2001, the Clinton Foundation is one of the top sponsors and supporters of small businesses in the community by way of grants and scholarships.
- Sites Related to Malcolm X: This Civil Rights Activist revolutionary made Harlem his home base. His impact on Harlem, as well as Harlem’s impact on him, is weaved throughout the tour.
- Apollo Theater: “WHERE STARS ARE BORN & LEGENDS ARE MADE.” Celebrating 90 years this year with concerts by USHER, Smokey Robinson, Mary J. Beige, Baby face, Just to name a few!
Meet your guide at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, at 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, about 70 steps from the 135 St. subway station (2 and 3 trains).
The tour ends near the Apollo Theater.
