Community Works NYC

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Community Works NYC

Programs have looked at the people and institutions that blossomed in music, theater, dance, gospel and activism.

Community Works NYC is a nonprofit arts and education organization founded in 1990 with the mission to bridge schools and communities, enrich educational curricula, and celebrate neighborhood cultures and histories. Since 1990, Community Works has been a premiere New York City-based arts organization with award-winning citywide programs to celebrate community and the diversity of our city. Over it

s history, Community Works developed performances, exhibitions, workshops and curricula involving students and community that annually served nearly 100,000 youth and community. In the late 1990s CW developed its Making a Difference program where young people researched and interviewed community heroes. This project birthed the development of the award-winning exhibition series that tells the story of multiple communities, including its largest project Harlem is… In all, more than three million people have seen these exhibits about Harlem is. . ., Latin Roots: East Harlem, the Long Walk to Freedom, and about the Japanese-American internment, among others. In 2018, Community Works joined forces with its longtime partner, New Heritage Theatre Group, and has re-focused its on preserving the immense body of work that is Harlem is. . . This includes launching www.harlem-is.org as a unique website developed celebrating Harlem’s cultural history. It uses portraits, timelines, videos, essays and recorded dialogues from the music, theater and dance exhibitions, as well as new profiles called Harlem is . . . Healing to highlight local people and groups working to heal the community from pandemic, turmoil towards social justice and rising violence. A physical exhibition has been installed at Harlem Hospital Center outside the second-floor Cave Auditorium, awaiting public access. And rotating art exhibitions are planned for the hospital’s well-regarded Mural Pavilion at 136th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard which now houses its timeline on Harlem’s history in addition CW/NHT will continue to produce performances visual art exhibits workshops and dialogue that bring to life community stories.

06/19/2026

harlem is…Immigrant Stories celebrates Joanna Castro, of Venezuelan and Irish-American heritage, Senior Director of Programs for West Harlem Development Corporation, for her inspiring and tireless work in championing access to the arts, connecting diverse communities enabling the uptown arts community to thrive.

Join us Monday June 29th at 630pm at Harlem Hospital Center (506 Lenox Avenue) as we honor Lloyd A. Williams and 5 more community leaders.

Admission is FREE. RSVP to [email protected] or here: https://tinyurl.com/298rdafx

Other honorees include:
–Arturo O’Farrill, pianist, composer, founder Casa Belongo Music and Arts Center
— Janet Rodriguez, founder, SoHarlem
—Tomo Mori, painter, collage, fiber artist and Children’s Art Carnival communications manager
—Cisse Elhadji, chef and restauranteur
—In memoriam, Lloyd A. Williams, former president and chief executive of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Harlem Week

Performers include:
— The Fat Cats Youth Orchestra
—The award-winning Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir organized by Kimiko Matsuo with music direction by Minister Melody Moore.
—West African storytelling and drumming with renowned storyteller Dr. Linda Humes of Yaffa Cultural Arts, and drummer Sanga of the Valley.

The evening will conclude with a community dialogue on immigration’s cultural, economic, and artistic impact on Harlem led by Desiree Elder, artistic director of New Heritage Theatre Group.

The event also includes a visit to the harlem is…exhibition.

Harlem Is…IMMIGRANT STORIES is presented by Community Works, a division of New Heritage Theatre Group as part of the 25-year, award-winning harlem is . . . legacy series that offers free performances, public programming and exhibitions to highlight Harlem’s rich cultural legacy. Its harlem is . . . Music, Theater & Dance exhibit is now a free, permanent installation at the Harlem Hospital Center.

Support for harlem is . . . Immigrant Stories provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Harlem Community Development Corporation.

06/17/2026

harlem is…Immigrant Stories celebrates in memoriam Lloyd A. Williams, Jamaican born, former president and chief executive of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Harlem Week.

Williams was a visionary community builder who devoted five decades of his life to the revitalization of his beloved Harlem, working relentlessly to build its economic and cultural vitality and advance its recognition as a global center of black art, culture, and commerce.

Join us Monday June 29th at 630pm at Harlem Hospital Center (506 Lenox Avenue) as we honor Lloyd A. Williams and 5 more community leaders.

Admission is FREE. RSVP to [email protected] or here: https://tinyurl.com/298rdafx

Other honorees include:
–Arturo O’Farrill, pianist, composer, founder Casa Belongo Music and Arts Center
— Janet Rodriguez, founder, SoHarlem
—Tomo Mori, painter, collage, fiber artist and Children’s Art Carnival communications manager
—Cisse Elhadji, chef and restauranteur
—Joanna Castro, Senior Director of Programs for West Harlem Development Corporation

Performers include:
— The Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats
—The award-winning Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir organized by Kimiko Matsuo with music direction by Minister Melody Moore.
—West African storytelling and drumming with renowned storyteller Dr. Linda Humes of Yaffa Cultural Arts, and drummer Sanga of the Valley.

The evening will conclude with a community dialogue on immigration’s cultural, economic, and artistic impact on Harlem led by Desiree Elder, artistic director of New Heritage Theatre Group.

The event also includes a visit to the harlem is…exhibition.

Harlem Is…IMMIGRANT STORIES is presented by Community Works, a division of New Heritage Theatre Group as part of the 25-year, award-winning harlem is . . . legacy series that offers free performances, public programming and exhibitions to highlight Harlem’s rich cultural legacy. Its harlem is . . . Music, Theater & Dance exhibit is now a free, permanent installation at the Harlem Hospital Center.

Support for harlem is . . . Immigrant Stories provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Harlem Community Development Corporation.

06/16/2026

harlem is…Immigrant Stories celebrates Arturo O’Farrill, Mexican born, Grammy award winning musician, passionate promoter of Latin music, and founder of Casa Belongó Music and Arts Center, in East Harlem.

Join us Monday June 29th at 630pm at Harlem Hospital Center (506 Lenox Avenue) as we honor Arturo and 5 more community leaders.

Admission is FREE. RSVP to [email protected] or here: https://tinyurl.com/298rdafx

Other honorees include:
— Janet Rodriguez, founder, SoHarlem
—Tomo Mori, painter, collage, fiber artist and Children’s Art Carnival communications manager
—Cisse Elhadji, chef and restauranteur
—Joanna Castro, Senior Director of Programs for West Harlem Development Corporation
—In memoriam, Lloyd A. Williams, former president and chief executive of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Harlem Week

Performers include:
— The Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats
—The award-winning Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir organized by Kimiko Matsuo with music direction by Minister Melody Moore.
—West African storytelling and drumming with renowned storyteller Dr. Linda Humes of Yaffa Cultural Arts, and drummer Sanga of the Valley.

The evening will conclude with a community dialogue on immigration’s cultural, economic, an

06/08/2026

Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Group proudly invite you to the launch of harlem is . . . IMMIGRANT STORIES, a community celebration through music, storytelling, and community dialogue in honor of six local leaders.

Monday, June 29, 6:30pm
Harlem Hospital Center, 506 Malcolm X Blvd./Lenox Ave (135th street)

FREE

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harlem-isimmigrant-stories-tickets-1991326228354

At this time when the federal government is using immigration policy not to celebrate but to demonize, we proudly celebrate these local leaders who have contributed so much to the rich tapestry of Harlem

Honorees include:
— Janet Rodriguez, of Dominican heritage, founder of groundbreaking SoHarlem, incubator for textile jobs.
—Arturo O’Farrill, Mexican-born, Grammy award-winning musician and founder of Casa Belongó Music and Arts Center, in East Harlem.
—Tomo Mori, Japanese-born painter, collage, textile, and fiber artist and Children’s Art Carnival communications manager
—Cisse Elhadji, Senegal-born, renowned chef and owner of Ponty Bistro and three other Harlem restaurants.
—Joanna Castro, of Venezuelan and Irish-American heritage, Senior Director of Programs for West Harlem Development Corp.
—In memoriam, Jamaican-born community leader Lloyd A. Williams, former president and chief executive of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Harlem Week.

Performers include:
· The Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats
· The Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir
· Storyteller Dr. Linda Humes of Yaffa Cultural Arts
· Drummer Sanga of the Valley

The evening will conclude with a community dialogue on immigration’s cultural, economic, and artistic impact on Harlem led by Desiree Elder, artistic director of New Heritage Theatre Group.

The event also includes a visit to the harlem is…exhibition.
Support for harlem is . . . Immigrant Stories provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Harlem Community Development Corporation.

05/29/2026

Thanks to Pat Stevenson and the Harlem News for highlighting coverage of the recent Saturdays@Harlem is…Spirit Legacy - Stories of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow event as part of continuing family programming at the Harlem Hospital Center.
This program, offered in partnership with the Yaffa Cultural Center, celebrating its 35th anniversary, presented several performances by storyteller Dr. Linda Humes, West African drummer Sanga of the Valley and performers from the Next Generation Yaffa program.
The Saturday programs include a tour of the harlem is.. . . Music, Theater & Dance exhibit featuring portraits, video and student interviews of artists and performers that mirror 100 years of Harlem’s cultural history. The exhibit at Harlem Hospital Center at 506 Lenox Ave. is open Tuesdays 10am- 2pm and Thursdays and Saturdays 12pm to 4pm. School and community groups may visit only by appointment by calling 917 757 2242 or emailing [email protected]
The harlem is . . .programs have been offered over three decades by Community Works, a division of New Heritage Theatre Group with funding from Harlem Development Corporation.

05/18/2026

6th graders from Thurgood Marshall Academy who are part of our Harlem is..after school People in the Community program continue to explore and learn about the remarkable people in their own backyard.

Students met with and interviewed Dr. Esteen Ladson Barnes, Chief Nursing office at Harlem Hospital.
The students were moved by her warmth and love of her work as she shared her educational journey, the importance of her family and connection to community. They were inspired by her commitment to managing her staff and creating a supportive and caring environment for all patients.

The workshop was led by artist educator Daniel Carlton with photographer Tau Battice.

Video by The KittyRose LyfeStyle

This Community Works Harlem is…People in the community program is made possible through CASA funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

To learn more about our harlem is…exhibits and public programs, click on www.harlem-is.org or visit our harlem is. . . Music, Theater & Dance exhibit at Harlem Hospital Center, 506 Malcolm X Blvd./Lenox Ave. The free exhibit is open Tuesdays 10am to 2pm and Thursdays and Saturdays 12 pm to 4 pm. School and community groups may visit only by appointment by calling 917-757-2242 or email [email protected].

04/28/2026

Despite a rainy chilly day it was standing room only at Community Works’ Saturdays@Harlem is…Spirit Legacy - Stories of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, a joyous intergenerational celebration marking the 35th anniversary of Yaffa Cultural Arts founded by Dr. Linda Humes.

Community Works, its longtime partner, joined forces with Yaffa and presented an afternoon that featured ancient Western traditions of drumming and storytelling with master storytellers Dr. Linda Humes and drummer Sanga of the Valley and the remarkable new members of the Next Generation Yaffa.

The audience was wowed by a multi disciplinary series of unforgettable performances choreographed by Wayne Daniels, including Kids Break Dancing League ,DJ Crazy Doc, NBA Karate demonstration, Luther Isler and Harlem Bomb Shelter.

Dr. Humes reflected on the powerful day and said ”Harlem has long been a sacred ground where voices rose in song, stories carried. Legacy is not something we inherit alone - it is something we build together.”

The afternoon began with a tour of the Harlem is.. exhibit lead by master artist educator Daniel Carlton. The free exhibit features portraits, video and student interviews of artists and performers that mirror 100 years of Harlem’s cultural history. The exhibit at Harlem Hospital Center at 506 Lenox Ave. is open Tuesdays 10am- 2pm and Thursdays and Saturdays 12pm to 4pm. School and community groups may visit only by appointment by calling 917 757 2242 or emailing [email protected]

A program of Community Works, a division of New Heritage Theatre Group with funding from Harlem Development Corporation.

Photos by Tau Battice

04/27/2026

Students from Thurgood Marshall Academy who are part of Community Works’ Harlem is..People in the Community program met with the legendary cultural impresario,Voza Rivers whose 6 decade career has made an indelible contribution to arts and culture here in Harlem and across the globe.

The young people learned about his youth in the community and were moved by hearing about the importance and lasting impact of his grandfather. They learned how important it was to give to community through his work at New Heritage Theatre, the oldest not for profit black theater in NY and in helping in developing Harlem Week and the joy of creating Impact Repertory Theater to inspire youth of today.

They were fascinated to learn about his work across the globe and especially in South Africa. They were inspired by his deep love of community. His warmth and love touched them and his faith that they too will make a contribution to the community.

The workshop was led by artist educator Daniel Carlton with photographer Tau Battice.

Video by Catherine Sha-Lisa Warren

This Community Works Harlem is…People in the community program is made possible through CASA funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

To learn more about our harlem is…exhibits and public programs, click on www.harlem-is.org or visit our harlem is. . . Music, Theater & Dance exhibit at Harlem Hospital Center, 506 Malcolm X Blvd./Lenox Ave. The free exhibit is open Tuesdays 10am to 2pm and Thursdays and Saturdays 12 pm to 4 pm. School and community groups may visit only by appointment by calling 917-757-2242 or email [email protected].

04/22/2026

It’s Spring and the perfect time to visit the landmark harlem is . . . Music, Theatre & Dance exhibit at the Harlem Hospital Center, 506 Malcolm X Blvd/Lenox Ave.

Did you know we offer free tours for youth and community-oriented groups? Please consider a visit for yourself, a friend or your group.
The exhibit includes portraits, videos and student-generated text about performers and institutions that have contributed to 100 years of Harlem’s cultural history. To learn more about Harlem’s cultural history, click on our website, www.harlem-is.org.
The free exhibit is open Tuesdays 10 am to 2 pm and Thursdays and Saturdays 12 pm to 4 pm. School and community groups may visit only by appointment by calling 917-757-2242 or email [email protected].

Major support from the Harlem Community development corporation

Address

38 W 70TH Street, Apt. 1
New York, NY
10023

Telephone

+19177572242

Website

http://www.harlem-is.org/

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