On Sunday August 4th , the sights, sounds, smell and that one of a kind ambiance of Harlem came together to make “A Great Day in Harlem”. The celebration was held in Ulysses S. Grant Memorial Park at W 122nd St. and Riverside Drive. Companies such as AOL Time Warner, Citibank, and Pepsi sponsored the event. Also, radio stations 98.7 Kiss FM, WLIB 1190 AM, and 1010 WINS AM, were present. Vendors lined the street selling corn, fish, french fries lemonade and all other delicious treats. Some of the festivities of the day included a fashion show, which showcased a multitude of pieces from various designers, and live music from several performers.

The fashion show was filled with designs from new and more experienced designers. Designers present were Tracy Jones of Bobé, Richard Q, Deborah Williams of Her game 2, Diane Parsons, Basille, Tracy Reese, Roger Gary of Etu Evans, and many more. The designers as a whole felt it was important to participate in Harlem Week in order to expose the Harlem community to their designs. Deborah Williams of Her game 2 stated that the participation in such events helps “promote designers and models in communities of color.” The captivating and eye-catching designs of Richard Q had the crowd excited. The “glamour queens of the silver screen” inspired his pieces. As a representative of the Latin community he feels it is important to portray “power and confidence” through his designs.

Once the fashion segment of the celebration concluded, the live music began. Although the event was scheduled to end at eight o’clock, the live bands kept the crowd swaying well into the night. One of the spectators in the crowd, Jerry, stated that since his retirement he has enjoyed coming to these types of events. He feels it is important because, “it shows people the culture and festivities of Harlem”. He enjoyed all of the music especially the performance by the Jon Lucien Band. Mr. Lucien, who is from the Virgin Islands, is the lead singer in the group. This group plays and interesting mix of Brazilian music, jazz, and funk which results in their unique sound. Mr. Lucien feels that it is “important that they (the listeners and the people of the Harlem community) get a taste of the diversity that colored people make.” He says his music has a “universal style” and he “wants all people of color to appreciate his music.”

The event as a whole was a good way for the people in the Harlem community to come together to celebrate their culture. The attitude of the crowd and the summer sunshine set the mood for an enjoyable afternoon. The right combination of food, fun, and fashion and not to mention great music culminated into a great day in Harlem.