It was in the early 1920's; the era of Jazz would soon be upon us and the African American artist, writers, actors and musicians were congregating in a small neighborhood in Upper Manhattan know as Harlem, "The Mecca of the New Negro." If you wanted to write, you went to Harlem. If you wanted to dance, you went to Harlem. If you wanted to compose music, you went to Harlem. If you wanted to effect social change, you went to Harlem because it was home to cultural revolution that would influence artistic expression around the world for generations.

From the music of Duke Ellington and Bessie Smith, to the paintings of Aaron Douglas and the poetry of Langston Hughes, Harlem has had a profound influence on our society.

Over eight decades later, the cultural legacy of Harlem is still renowned the world over. But as the landscape of Harlem changes, we must come together as a community to write the rich artistic legacy of tomorrow.