‘A Great Day in Harlem’ is more than just a title, as Harlem Week continues

HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) — Its name captures how one of the most storied communities in the world is well worth spending time in, whether it’s someone’s first-time visit or a longstanding resident finding new places to go and things to do.

Harlem Week switched into full gear on Sunday with an event showcasing the iconic neighborhood’s history, culture, and commerce.

Called “A Great Day in Harlem,” the musical, culinary, and retail event at the General Grant Memorial highlights many great aspects of Harlem life.

The event is named after a historic photo that brought nearly 60 jazz musicians—many of them icons—together on 126th Street in the late 195 0s.

On Sunday, the Great Day in Harlem event brought together thousands of people to celebrate 50 years of the neighborhood-promoting tradition called Harlem Week.

A Great Day is just that — a day — in Harlem Week. Tony Rogers is a co-founder of Harlem Week.

“We started in 1974,” he said in an interview.

He pointed out that 50 years ago, the city was on the brink of bankruptcy. Then-Borough President Percy Sutton dreamed up the idea of a Harlem Day to bring people to the neighborhood and highlight its tourism strengths.

“The theme was ‘The Beginning of the Second Harlem Renaissance,'” Rogers continued, contrasting 1974 to the present day. “Now, we have a Marriott Hotel called ‘The Renaissance.'”

Harlem Week is actually a 12-day festival that runs through Aug. 18. A full Harlem Week schedule of events is here: harlemweek.com .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.