HarlemEntertainment Desk
Mama Foundation For The Arts - 2025 Holiday Concert Replay
Get into the holiday spirit with a soul-stirring celebration of faith, community, and song — filmed live in Harlem and presented by HarlemAmerica.
Kelly Rowland - Remixing Heart and Influence
Kelly Rowland’s relationship with Harlem runs deeper than red carpets and photo ops. From the Apollo Theater to Harlem Hospital, Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), and local Black-owned restaurants, she blends star power with street-level service. In Harlem, Rowland isn’t visiting—she’s investing, uplifting, and rewriting what celebrity commitment looks like.
Samuel and LaTanya, The Builders Behind A Legacy of Culture
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s story isn’t just about Hollywood greatness, it’s about a lifelong commitment to building, protecting, and funding Black institutions. From Harlem’s stages to Spelman’s arts center and the new Urban Civil Rights Museum, the Jacksons have spent decades transforming activism into infrastructure and legacy into community power.
Keke Palmer - Modern Mogul in Harlems Mirror
HarlemAmerica explores how Keke Palmer—a trailblazing actor, author, and entrepreneur—has built an empire rooted in authenticity, ownership, and cultural pride. From Broadway’s Cinderella to KeyTV’s digital revolution, Palmer uses Harlem’s legacy of empowerment as both validation and inspiration for a new generation of creators.
Morris Chestnut - Brotherhood Refined
In “Morris Chestnut - Brotherhood Refined,” HarlemAmerica celebrates the evolution of one of Black Hollywood’s most enduring figures. From Boyz n the Hood to The Best Man and Watson, Chestnut has mastered the art of longevity—building brotherhood into business, and aligning his legacy with Harlem’s timeless code of grace, intellect, and enterprise.
Mic Check Harlem - A Spoken Word Revolution
From the Harlem Renaissance to today’s open mics, Harlem has always spoken its truth. Discover how spoken word continues to shape culture, build community, and inspire the world—one mic check at a time.
Intentional Starpower - Jurnee Smollett On Screen and Beyond
Jurnee Smollett has grown from child star to intentional artist, activist, and producer. With iconic roles in Eve’s Bayou, Underground, and Lovecraft Country, she continues to shape Hollywood with purpose, passion, and power — proving her legacy is only just beginning. For more than three decades, Smollett has moved through Hollywood with a clarity of purpose that is rare, especially for someone who began working in front of cameras as an infant. Her story is not just about survival in an unforgiving business. It is about agency. It is about cultivating artistry while holding fast to identity.
ReFRAMING Savannah James
Savannah James is more than LeBron’s partner, she’s a beauty boss, podcaster, and community builder. From Reframe Beauty to Everybody’s Crazy, she’s rewriting what it means to lead with both style and substance.
Spotlight: Harlem's New Creatives Take Center Stage
Harlem has always been a stage for brilliance but today, Gen Z and Millennials are rewriting the script with tech, art, and fearless creativity.
Harlem Week 2025 On HarlemAmerica
Harlem Week 2025 is in the books. If you missed any of this year's excitement you can catch the replays right here on HarlemAmerica!
Harlem Week 2025: Celebrate Our Magic
Harlem Week isn’t just a party—it’s a prayer. It’s a celebration of survival, of style, of spirit. A neighborhood that birthed revolutions in rhythm, resistance, and radiance is inviting you home.
All Eyes On Angela
In the glittering landscape of Hollywood—where legends are made, unmade, and remade—Angela Bassett doesn’t just shine. She reigns.
Pride and Paradise - Black LGBTQ+ Joy Abroad
Welcome to the rainbow rhythms of the African diaspora?a constellation of places in Africa and the Caribbean where your identity isn't just tolerated, but increasingly embraced. This is more than a travel guide. It's a passport to belonging.
Rooted in Rhythm: The Sound of the Diaspora
This playlist invites you to listen with your heart, move with your spirit, and remember that we are connected—by rhythm, by roots, and by the radiant soul of Black expression. Press play and step into a world where history sings and the future grooves.
Black Music Month 2025: The Heartbeat of Our Culture, the Soundtrack of Our Legacy
Celebrate Black Music Month 2025 with HarlemAmerica’s curated playlists and vibrant visuals honoring the power, rhythm, and soul of African American music.
Kendrick Lamar: The Boy from Compton Who Became the Voice of a Generation
From Compton’s chaos to global acclaim, Kendrick Lamar crafts truth-telling anthems that echo Black resilience, brilliance, and cultural power.
October London: The Soul Revivalist Rewriting the R&B Playbook
October London revives soul with timeless vocals, modern flair, and fearless ambition—bridging past and present in R&B’s new era.
Sylvia Rhone: The Unstoppable Force Behind the Soundtrack of a Generation
Sylvia Rhone redefined music industry leadership, blending business brilliance with cultural vision to empower artists, uplift women, and shape history.
Teyana Taylor: From Harlem’s Beat to Hollywood’s Harmony and a Legendary Portrayal
From Harlem’s heart to Hollywood’s heights, Teyana Taylor redefines artistry, embodying Black excellence in music, film, fashion, and legacy.
Mama Foundation For The Arts - 2024 Winter Benefit Concert
The musical event of the season! Our Mama Music students, Wednesday Sings members, and the Sing Harlem Choir put on a show you do not want to miss.
Busta Rhymes, Doechii, GloRilla and Brittany Howard share secrets to success at The Apollo
The four Grammy-nominated artists discussed their careers at The Apollo for Rolling Stone's "Musicians on Musicians" series.
Harlem Holiday Lights and Misty Copeland bring a 'gumbo of music and dance' to 125th Street
"I stand on the shoulders of so many people from this community – it means everything to me." -- Misty Copeland
The Harlem Dandy: Life, Style, and Influence
The Harlem Dandy represents more than just a fashion trend; it is a powerful symbol of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of self-definition.
Before I Let Go - Farewell to Frankie Beverly
Frankie Beverly will be remembered as a legend in the history of R&B. He will forever be a soul music icon thanks to his classic songs, unforgettable live performances, and an impact that will never fade.
Luke James On His Way To SuperNova Stardom
James has continuously proven his multi-talentedness from his humble beginnings in New Orleans all the way to his recent ascent to fame as an actor and singer.
A Legendary Singer's Singer, Chanté Moore
The legendary R&B and jazz singer Chanté Moore has left an everlasting impression on the music industry with her rich, expressive voice and adaptable style.
The Evolution of A Crooner, Will Downing
Will Downing has been performing for almost 30 years, and along that time he has built a loyal fan base and become famous for his velvety baritone voice and love songs.
The Sophisticated Lady, Phyllis Hyman
Phyllis Hyman was a legendary performer in R&B, jazz, and soul for about three decades, during which time she became famous for her jazz-influenced style and dramatic stage presence.
Celebrating 90 Years - The Apollo Theater Spring Benefit Is An Event Not To Miss
The Spring Benefit, The Apollo’s signature fundraiser, is a spectacular celebration of the theater’s rich legacy and its commitment to its future.
Powerful Black Women in Country Music Have Been There All Along
African American women have broken down boundaries and made substantial contributions to country music throughout the years.
The Entertainers Who Have and Are Shaping The 20th and 21st Centuries
African American talent in the entertainment industry flourished throughout the 20th century and now in the 21st Century. In a variety of fields, including cinema, television, athletics, and music, African American celebrities were trailblazers who made history.
Just in Time for Christmas - HarlemAmerica's Top 100 R&B Christmas Playlist
As we celebrate the holiday season, let us remember the power of R&B Christmas music to evoke emotions, spread joy, and bring people together.
Hip-Hop's Founding Mother -Sylvia Robinson
The creator of Sugar Hill Records, Sylvia Robinson, is profiled in this essay along with the imprint's enormous contributions to the growth and acceptance of hip-hop music.
Harlem's Music Scene - Still Vibrant and Thriving
Harlem is building on its tradition and its reputation as a center for innovative music thanks to a wide variety of genres and a flourishing artist community.
Happy 50th - Hip Hop and Harlem
The history of Harlem hip hop is one of struggle, creativity, and innovation, and it has left an indelible mark on the music and culture of the world.
Moments For The Culture - Black Music Month, 2022
"Music has the power to lift our spirits, comfort our souls, and inspire our hearts. It gives a voice to the human spirit, creating a common language that unites people and breaks down barriers. Perhaps no music has had as profound and powerful an impact in shaping America’s musical score as Black music."
Harlem’s Role in the Black Film Scene
Let’s talk about Harlem’s role in shaping what once was endless portrayals of racist and stereotypical Black characters and how the community helped turn it into the diverse representation that we see on the big screen today.
The Best of TV and Harlem
We’ve already talked about some of our favorite combinations of movies and Harlem, now let’s get into TV and Harlem.
HarlemAmerica Digital Network 2021 Podcast Highlights
In 2021, the HarlemAmerica Digital Network was home to three podcasts. We’re expanding our lineup even more as we move through 2022. Let’s take a look back on some of the coolest things that happened in the last year with the HarlemAmerica 2021 Podcast Highlights.
Want to Start a Health & Wellness Podcast? Some Things to Consider
26% of podcast listeners polled by Nielsen were interested in health-related podcasts. Here are some things to consider if you want to start a health and wellness podcast.
Movies and Harlem
Harlem is a place full of excitement, history, and change. Here are some of our favorite combinations of movies and Harlem.
Recap: Harlem Week 2021
Harlem Week 2021, “Rebirth. Rebuild. Rejoice.” is over. In case you missed it, here are some of our favorite moments from Harlem Week.
The Legacy of the African American Day Parade in Harlem
This Sunday, September 19th, is the African American Day Parade in Harlem. This year, the parade celebrates 52 years in the Harlem community. Tune in right here on HarlemAmerica.com! We will be live streaming the event starting at 12 pm EST.
A Year of “What’s Hot! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander”
On September 11, 2020, G. Keith Alexander pulled up to the mic and recorded the first episode of the “What’s Hot! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander” podcast. As a celebration of one year of the WH!HA show, we wanted to look back on some of our favorite moments, quotes, and guests.
Harlem’s Rucker Park
Harlem’s Rucker Park is often referred to as the Mecca of Basketball, and in 2021, it’s coming back in a big way.
The Queen Visits Harlem: Mary J. Blige Inducted into Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame
The queen of hip hop soul visited Harlem to be inducted into the Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame, and HarlemAmerica’s G. Keith Alexander was there to cover the event.
This Month’s Featured Articles
The Studio Museum in Harlem, long a global epicenter for artists of African descent—reopens in 2025 with a groundbreaking new home that redefines what a cultural institution can be. From its radical 1968 loft origins to Sir David Adjaye’s “inverted stoop,” the museum remains Harlem’s beacon of Black creativity, community, and future-making.
Kelly Rowland’s relationship with Harlem runs deeper than red carpets and photo ops. From the Apollo Theater to Harlem Hospital, Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), and local Black-owned restaurants, she blends star power with street-level service. In Harlem, Rowland isn’t visiting—she’s investing, uplifting, and rewriting what celebrity commitment looks like.
The National Urban League’s return to Harlem with its $242 million Empowerment Center marks a bold new era of Black economic sovereignty. Combining affordable housing, a civil rights museum, workforce development, and a self-sustaining headquarters, the center reclaims Harlem’s legacy while shaping the future of social and economic justice.
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s story isn’t just about Hollywood greatness, it’s about a lifelong commitment to building, protecting, and funding Black institutions. From Harlem’s stages to Spelman’s arts center and the new Urban Civil Rights Museum, the Jacksons have spent decades transforming activism into infrastructure and legacy into community power.
FeaturedHarlem - The Most Soulful Place On Earth™
Walking Into the Heart of Harlem’s Holiday Spirit. On the evening of November 18th, Harlem did what Harlem does best — it shined.
FeaturedHarlemBusinessHarlemEmpowerment
Your dollar has power. Make it work for the culture. Read our guide to global Black-owned businesses you can support today.
HarlemEntertainment Desk
Mama Foundation For The Arts - 2025 Holiday Concert Replay
Get into the holiday spirit with a soul-stirring celebration of faith, community, and song — filmed live in Harlem and presented by HarlemAmerica.
Kelly Rowland - Remixing Heart and Influence
Kelly Rowland’s relationship with Harlem runs deeper than red carpets and photo ops. From the Apollo Theater to Harlem Hospital, Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), and local Black-owned restaurants, she blends star power with street-level service. In Harlem, Rowland isn’t visiting—she’s investing, uplifting, and rewriting what celebrity commitment looks like.
Samuel and LaTanya, The Builders Behind A Legacy of Culture
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s story isn’t just about Hollywood greatness, it’s about a lifelong commitment to building, protecting, and funding Black institutions. From Harlem’s stages to Spelman’s arts center and the new Urban Civil Rights Museum, the Jacksons have spent decades transforming activism into infrastructure and legacy into community power.
Keke Palmer - Modern Mogul in Harlems Mirror
HarlemAmerica explores how Keke Palmer—a trailblazing actor, author, and entrepreneur—has built an empire rooted in authenticity, ownership, and cultural pride. From Broadway’s Cinderella to KeyTV’s digital revolution, Palmer uses Harlem’s legacy of empowerment as both validation and inspiration for a new generation of creators.
Morris Chestnut - Brotherhood Refined
In “Morris Chestnut - Brotherhood Refined,” HarlemAmerica celebrates the evolution of one of Black Hollywood’s most enduring figures. From Boyz n the Hood to The Best Man and Watson, Chestnut has mastered the art of longevity—building brotherhood into business, and aligning his legacy with Harlem’s timeless code of grace, intellect, and enterprise.
Mic Check Harlem - A Spoken Word Revolution
From the Harlem Renaissance to today’s open mics, Harlem has always spoken its truth. Discover how spoken word continues to shape culture, build community, and inspire the world—one mic check at a time.
Intentional Starpower - Jurnee Smollett On Screen and Beyond
Jurnee Smollett has grown from child star to intentional artist, activist, and producer. With iconic roles in Eve’s Bayou, Underground, and Lovecraft Country, she continues to shape Hollywood with purpose, passion, and power — proving her legacy is only just beginning. For more than three decades, Smollett has moved through Hollywood with a clarity of purpose that is rare, especially for someone who began working in front of cameras as an infant. Her story is not just about survival in an unforgiving business. It is about agency. It is about cultivating artistry while holding fast to identity.
ReFRAMING Savannah James
Savannah James is more than LeBron’s partner, she’s a beauty boss, podcaster, and community builder. From Reframe Beauty to Everybody’s Crazy, she’s rewriting what it means to lead with both style and substance.
Spotlight: Harlem's New Creatives Take Center Stage
Harlem has always been a stage for brilliance but today, Gen Z and Millennials are rewriting the script with tech, art, and fearless creativity.
Harlem Week 2025 On HarlemAmerica
Harlem Week 2025 is in the books. If you missed any of this year's excitement you can catch the replays right here on HarlemAmerica!
Harlem Week 2025: Celebrate Our Magic
Harlem Week isn’t just a party—it’s a prayer. It’s a celebration of survival, of style, of spirit. A neighborhood that birthed revolutions in rhythm, resistance, and radiance is inviting you home.
All Eyes On Angela
In the glittering landscape of Hollywood—where legends are made, unmade, and remade—Angela Bassett doesn’t just shine. She reigns.
Pride and Paradise - Black LGBTQ+ Joy Abroad
Welcome to the rainbow rhythms of the African diaspora?a constellation of places in Africa and the Caribbean where your identity isn't just tolerated, but increasingly embraced. This is more than a travel guide. It's a passport to belonging.
Rooted in Rhythm: The Sound of the Diaspora
This playlist invites you to listen with your heart, move with your spirit, and remember that we are connected—by rhythm, by roots, and by the radiant soul of Black expression. Press play and step into a world where history sings and the future grooves.
Black Music Month 2025: The Heartbeat of Our Culture, the Soundtrack of Our Legacy
Celebrate Black Music Month 2025 with HarlemAmerica’s curated playlists and vibrant visuals honoring the power, rhythm, and soul of African American music.
Kendrick Lamar: The Boy from Compton Who Became the Voice of a Generation
From Compton’s chaos to global acclaim, Kendrick Lamar crafts truth-telling anthems that echo Black resilience, brilliance, and cultural power.
October London: The Soul Revivalist Rewriting the R&B Playbook
October London revives soul with timeless vocals, modern flair, and fearless ambition—bridging past and present in R&B’s new era.
Sylvia Rhone: The Unstoppable Force Behind the Soundtrack of a Generation
Sylvia Rhone redefined music industry leadership, blending business brilliance with cultural vision to empower artists, uplift women, and shape history.
Teyana Taylor: From Harlem’s Beat to Hollywood’s Harmony and a Legendary Portrayal
From Harlem’s heart to Hollywood’s heights, Teyana Taylor redefines artistry, embodying Black excellence in music, film, fashion, and legacy.
Mama Foundation For The Arts - 2024 Winter Benefit Concert
The musical event of the season! Our Mama Music students, Wednesday Sings members, and the Sing Harlem Choir put on a show you do not want to miss.
Busta Rhymes, Doechii, GloRilla and Brittany Howard share secrets to success at The Apollo
The four Grammy-nominated artists discussed their careers at The Apollo for Rolling Stone's "Musicians on Musicians" series.
Harlem Holiday Lights and Misty Copeland bring a 'gumbo of music and dance' to 125th Street
"I stand on the shoulders of so many people from this community – it means everything to me." -- Misty Copeland
The Harlem Dandy: Life, Style, and Influence
The Harlem Dandy represents more than just a fashion trend; it is a powerful symbol of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of self-definition.
Before I Let Go - Farewell to Frankie Beverly
Frankie Beverly will be remembered as a legend in the history of R&B. He will forever be a soul music icon thanks to his classic songs, unforgettable live performances, and an impact that will never fade.
Luke James On His Way To SuperNova Stardom
James has continuously proven his multi-talentedness from his humble beginnings in New Orleans all the way to his recent ascent to fame as an actor and singer.
A Legendary Singer's Singer, Chanté Moore
The legendary R&B and jazz singer Chanté Moore has left an everlasting impression on the music industry with her rich, expressive voice and adaptable style.
The Evolution of A Crooner, Will Downing
Will Downing has been performing for almost 30 years, and along that time he has built a loyal fan base and become famous for his velvety baritone voice and love songs.
The Sophisticated Lady, Phyllis Hyman
Phyllis Hyman was a legendary performer in R&B, jazz, and soul for about three decades, during which time she became famous for her jazz-influenced style and dramatic stage presence.
Celebrating 90 Years - The Apollo Theater Spring Benefit Is An Event Not To Miss
The Spring Benefit, The Apollo’s signature fundraiser, is a spectacular celebration of the theater’s rich legacy and its commitment to its future.
Powerful Black Women in Country Music Have Been There All Along
African American women have broken down boundaries and made substantial contributions to country music throughout the years.
The Entertainers Who Have and Are Shaping The 20th and 21st Centuries
African American talent in the entertainment industry flourished throughout the 20th century and now in the 21st Century. In a variety of fields, including cinema, television, athletics, and music, African American celebrities were trailblazers who made history.
Just in Time for Christmas - HarlemAmerica's Top 100 R&B Christmas Playlist
As we celebrate the holiday season, let us remember the power of R&B Christmas music to evoke emotions, spread joy, and bring people together.
Hip-Hop's Founding Mother -Sylvia Robinson
The creator of Sugar Hill Records, Sylvia Robinson, is profiled in this essay along with the imprint's enormous contributions to the growth and acceptance of hip-hop music.
Harlem's Music Scene - Still Vibrant and Thriving
Harlem is building on its tradition and its reputation as a center for innovative music thanks to a wide variety of genres and a flourishing artist community.
Happy 50th - Hip Hop and Harlem
The history of Harlem hip hop is one of struggle, creativity, and innovation, and it has left an indelible mark on the music and culture of the world.
Moments For The Culture - Black Music Month, 2022
"Music has the power to lift our spirits, comfort our souls, and inspire our hearts. It gives a voice to the human spirit, creating a common language that unites people and breaks down barriers. Perhaps no music has had as profound and powerful an impact in shaping America’s musical score as Black music."
Harlem’s Role in the Black Film Scene
Let’s talk about Harlem’s role in shaping what once was endless portrayals of racist and stereotypical Black characters and how the community helped turn it into the diverse representation that we see on the big screen today.
The Best of TV and Harlem
We’ve already talked about some of our favorite combinations of movies and Harlem, now let’s get into TV and Harlem.
HarlemAmerica Digital Network 2021 Podcast Highlights
In 2021, the HarlemAmerica Digital Network was home to three podcasts. We’re expanding our lineup even more as we move through 2022. Let’s take a look back on some of the coolest things that happened in the last year with the HarlemAmerica 2021 Podcast Highlights.
Want to Start a Health & Wellness Podcast? Some Things to Consider
26% of podcast listeners polled by Nielsen were interested in health-related podcasts. Here are some things to consider if you want to start a health and wellness podcast.
Movies and Harlem
Harlem is a place full of excitement, history, and change. Here are some of our favorite combinations of movies and Harlem.
Recap: Harlem Week 2021
Harlem Week 2021, “Rebirth. Rebuild. Rejoice.” is over. In case you missed it, here are some of our favorite moments from Harlem Week.
The Legacy of the African American Day Parade in Harlem
This Sunday, September 19th, is the African American Day Parade in Harlem. This year, the parade celebrates 52 years in the Harlem community. Tune in right here on HarlemAmerica.com! We will be live streaming the event starting at 12 pm EST.
A Year of “What’s Hot! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander”
On September 11, 2020, G. Keith Alexander pulled up to the mic and recorded the first episode of the “What’s Hot! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander” podcast. As a celebration of one year of the WH!HA show, we wanted to look back on some of our favorite moments, quotes, and guests.
Harlem’s Rucker Park
Harlem’s Rucker Park is often referred to as the Mecca of Basketball, and in 2021, it’s coming back in a big way.
The Queen Visits Harlem: Mary J. Blige Inducted into Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame
The queen of hip hop soul visited Harlem to be inducted into the Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame, and HarlemAmerica’s G. Keith Alexander was there to cover the event.
This Month’s Featured Articles
The Studio Museum in Harlem, long a global epicenter for artists of African descent—reopens in 2025 with a groundbreaking new home that redefines what a cultural institution can be. From its radical 1968 loft origins to Sir David Adjaye’s “inverted stoop,” the museum remains Harlem’s beacon of Black creativity, community, and future-making.
Kelly Rowland’s relationship with Harlem runs deeper than red carpets and photo ops. From the Apollo Theater to Harlem Hospital, Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), and local Black-owned restaurants, she blends star power with street-level service. In Harlem, Rowland isn’t visiting—she’s investing, uplifting, and rewriting what celebrity commitment looks like.
The National Urban League’s return to Harlem with its $242 million Empowerment Center marks a bold new era of Black economic sovereignty. Combining affordable housing, a civil rights museum, workforce development, and a self-sustaining headquarters, the center reclaims Harlem’s legacy while shaping the future of social and economic justice.
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s story isn’t just about Hollywood greatness, it’s about a lifelong commitment to building, protecting, and funding Black institutions. From Harlem’s stages to Spelman’s arts center and the new Urban Civil Rights Museum, the Jacksons have spent decades transforming activism into infrastructure and legacy into community power.
FeaturedHarlem - The Most Soulful Place On Earth™
Walking Into the Heart of Harlem’s Holiday Spirit. On the evening of November 18th, Harlem did what Harlem does best — it shined.
FeaturedHarlemBusinessHarlemEmpowerment
Your dollar has power. Make it work for the culture. Read our guide to global Black-owned businesses you can support today.