There was a time when the economic and communal future of Harlem held only a glimmer of hope, but through the efforts of revitalization, the future is now illuminated with opportunity. The bustling city beamed last evening at the Harlem Holiday Lights ceremony at the Harlem State Office Building. Spearheaded by the 125th Street Business Improvement District, an organization dedicated to advancing Harlem’s status as a world class cultural destination, the event featured the lighting of the legendary Harlem thoroughfare from the East River to the Hudson River.
While the festive lighting was canceled last year due to dire economic conditions, this year’s gathering attracted a horde of local residents who braved the cold to proudly witness their community once again sparkle.
Telemundo’s national correspondent, Isolda Peguero, hosted the ceremony, which included carolers, rising Universal Music recording artist Breje and an appearance by internationally acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson. Samuelsson, whose highly anticipated Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem hosted the after party, was honored to flip the switch and celebrate the importance of the holiday season in sustaining local businesses.
“I think the holiday is a wonderful time because lots of people work in the service industries and in amenities. We need people’s support through shopping,” he said.
Events such as the lighting ceremony help ensure not only the success of businesses, but also enrich the lives of youth, according to Barbara Askins, president and CEO of the 125th Street BID.
“We can’t have everybody going downtown [for such activities] during the holiday season, because when 125th street does well, it can filter off to other businesses,” she said. “We need to have [the lighting] up here as well for the kids, so that they can celebrate the holiday in their own community.”
Many of the chairs of Manhattan Community Boards 9, 10 and 11, including chair of Community Board 9, Larry English, are confident that they’ll soon make Harlem the premier holiday attraction in New York City.
“The goal is to rival Rockefeller Center. This event speaks to the new renaissance and energy in Harlem and we want to refocus the world on 125th street,” he said. –souleo
