大象传媒

A hundred years ago the Harlem Renaissance was in full swing. It was a booming time for African-American culture and the neighbourhood was buzzing. Today, we pay tribute to Harlem, through music, poetry and food.

The story of how chef Marcus Samuelsson made Harlem his home is nothing short of remarkable. He was born in a tiny village in Ethiopia, too small to even appear on maps. Aged two, he contracted TB. His mum carried him for 75 miles to the capital for treatment. She died, but he survived and was adopted by a Swedish family who taught him a love of cooking. Marcus is now a leading light of New York cuisine running an international restaurant chain but with his heart firmly grounded in the stories of Harlem.

Jaylene Clark Owens is a spoken word artist and actor and born and bred Harlemite. She has woven the story of her changing neighbourhood into a play: Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale.

Cultural historian John T Reddick gives us a personal tour of his neighbourhood.

And Martina da Silva and John Thomas share their musical tribute to Harlem.

(Photo: Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Credit: Matt Dutile)