Lloyd Yearwood, Photograph of a drag club in Harlem, 1960s

Faith Ringgold

Echoes of Harlem

1980

Do you ever “randomly” get a song stuck in your head? I put randomly in quotes because I’m sure the reason will reveal itself sooner or later. This week, it’s Duke Ellington’s “Creole Love Call” featuring Adelaide Hall.

“I was standing in the wings behind the piano when Duke first played it (“Creole Love Call”). I started humming along with the band. He stopped the number and came over to me and said, “That’s just what I was looking for. Can you do it again?” I said, “I can’t, because I don’t know what I was doing.” He begged me to try. Anyway, I did, and sang this counter melody, and he was delighted and said “Addie, you’re going to record this with the band.” A couple of days later I did.” - Adelaide Hall

📷 - Wikimedia Commons (circa early 1920s) 📖 - The Independent (Nov. 8, 1993)

The Godfather of Harlem Reaction

In this video, I share my thoughts and reactions to the hit show "The Godfather of Harlem." This gripping drama chronicles the true story of crime boss Bumpy Johnson as he returns to Harlem in the 1960s to reclaim his turf and protect his community from the Italian mob.

As a fan of crime dramas, I was excited to watch this series and it didn't disappoint. In this video, I break down my favorite scenes, characters, and storylines, and share my overall impressions of the show.

If you're a fan of "The Godfather of Harlem" or just enjoy reaction videos, be sure to check out this video and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content like this!

The award-winning short film from Shoga Films - 'Smoke, Lilies and Jade' - is now streaming on Vimeo On Demand. ❤️🏳️‍🌈🎬

Watch: 👉 https://bit.ly/SmokeLiliesJadeOnVimeo

An evocative and beautiful short directed by Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear, awards include Best Short at the OUTshine Film Festival, Best Short at the Black Alphabet Film Festival, and the Queer Black Voices Award at the Agliff Film Festival. 

13th Gen's Marc Smolowitz is a proud consulting producer of Smoke, Lilies and Jade.

Did you know-The 369th Infantry Regiment, The Harlem Hellfighters.

Though they spent more time in battle than any other regiment and were one of the most decorated, they never got the recognition they deserved✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

A FLASH BLACK MOMENT:

Harlem Debutante ball, 1940s………

Nina Simone performing at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival

Today in Hip Hop History:

Lamont Coleman better known as Big L died February 15, 1999 R.I.P.

1924, A family in Harlem, New York City, photo by James Van Der Zee

A girl act from the Harlem in Havana revue, 1940s, photographed by Garbo photography studio in Chicago.

The 369th Infantry Regiment, originally formed as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment before being re-organized as the 369th upon federalization and commonly referred to as the Harlem Hellfighters, was an infantry regiment of the New York Army National Guard during World War I and World War II. The regiment consisted mainly of African Americans, though it also included men from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guyana, Liberia, Portugal, Canada, the West Indies, as well as American white officers. With the 370th Infantry Regiment, it was known for being one of the first African-American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.

finally my obsession with zoot suits becomes useful

American Girl’s new “ historical“ dolls are from 1999.

You know. 24 years ago.

This brand has officially become a parody of itself.

Harlem 1937

Aaron Siskind, Harlem, New York, 1937,

Gelatin silver print, ,

8 3/4 × 8 1/8" (22.2 × 20.8 cm)

Library of Congress