Community Works NYC

10/12/2026

There are so many amazing days to remember and cherish at our landmark harlem is . . . . Music, Theater & Dance exhibit. Sometimes it the individual visiting this Harlem icon like Hazel Dukes, civil rights activist and former head of NAACP for New York State, along with the amazing Jackie Arrington, a long-time friend and first funder of harlem is . . . when it was just an idea in my head

Just weeks after their visit Dukes passed away in 2025 at age 92. Dr. Dukes, who held a variety of civil rights roles, was an active and dynamic leader who was known for her unselfish and devoted track record for improving the quality of life in New York and was recognized with tons of civic awards.

If you have not visited the exhibit, please consider doing so yourself or with a group. With archival and contemporary photos, texts and videos, the exhibit honors more than 100 people and institutions with significant roles in the blossoming of Harlem's rich cultural history over a century.

The free exhibit on the second floor of the NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, 506 Lenox Ave. at 135th Street, is open Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm and Thursdays and Saturdays 12 pm to 4 pm. School and community groups may visit by appointment by calling 917-757-2242 or email [email protected] exhibit is dedicated to the memory of former Community Works Board Chairman Michael Davidson.

10/08/2026

09/30/2026

It was thrilling to attend the much anticipated opening of the Puffin Center at the Museum of the City of New York, a new home at the museum dedicated to the history of and ongoing legacy and civic engagement and social movements in NY city. It’s permanent exhibit, “Raising Your Voice.” traces 250 years of activism in the city.

How wonderful to meet up with Pablo Maristany and his family (seen in first photo), son of the great photographer Hiram Maristany, community activist and official photographer of the Young Lords in New York, whose work is included.

Proudly, Hiram is featured in our Latin Roots: East Harlem exhibit now on our website and is part of our 18-month campaign to preserve and secure a permanent home in East Harlem for our landmark exhibit, first exhibited in 2003, that has toured extensively including a stay at this museum.

Do not miss this museum’s timely permanent exhibit that truly gives us hope in this treacherous moment in our history.

The Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave.at 103rd Street, is open Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun 10-6, and until 9pm

Harlem-Is.org

—Barbara Horowitz, founder, Community Works NYC

09/29/2026

You are invited to join us at Blackberry Productions’ film premiere of COPP (Communities Organizing for Partnership in Peace), a documentary picking up on the content of workshops between Black and Brown youth and police.
Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Lenfest Center, Columbia University, 615 West 129th. Street, at 6:30 PM. RSVP required at [email protected]
COPP explores community relations, specifically bringing together young people and law enforcement officers to foster conversations and safer neighborhoods. These conversations also prompted the dialog in the Blackberry Productions play, “You Have the Right to be Heard” in March, which Community Works proudly presented.
RSVP required at [email protected]

09/28/2026

In a glorious celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Harlem Arts Alliance and Hispanic Heritage Month the community gathered in a standing room celebration honoring the power of community building through the transformational power of the arts -- a safe space for artists and community to come together to share ideas, build relationships and create collaborations.

Guided by its founder Voza Rivers the morning featured powerful presentations by countless groups and individuals and artists and ended with an unforgettable rousing performance by the Skinny Kenny Productions of Peace and Serenity “From Africa to Harlem”. 20 plus strong, his choir had us all dancing in the aisles.

As Harlem School of the Arts president James Horton rightfully acknowledged, in this time when arts are under siege how important it is for us to connect and collaborate and find strength together through the arts.

—Barbara Horowitz, founder, Community Works NYC

Photos by Darryl T. Downing

09/27/2026

Despite the nor’easter, the community was out in force through the efforts of Debbie Quinones for the street dedication and reception at Taller Boricua for East Harlem’s beloved icon Piri Thomas.

In 2003 Community Works launched Latin Roots East Harlem celebrating El Barrio’s rich history and honoring its icons including Piri Thomas. In honor of Latin Heritage month proudly Community Works and its partner Harlem CLX have launched an 18-month campaign to preserve, reactivate and secure a permanent home for the historic Harlem Is…exhibition.

The afternoon brought together so many of East Harlem’s notables including former NYC City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, NYC Councilwoman Elsie Encarnacion, former Manhattan Community Board #11 Chair Xavier Santiago, Marina Jodona Ortiz of East Harlem Preservation, artistic director of Taller Boricua Christine Licata, artist and founder of Taller Boricua Marcos Dimas, actor/writer.producer Antone Pagan, beloved community organizer Kathleen Benson, and so many more.

Visit today our Latin Roots website https://www.harlem-is.org/latin-roots

–Barbara Horowitz, founder, Community Works NYC

09/25/2026

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Today, Harlem Is… Latin Roots celebrates Dr. Georgina Falú, a distinguished scholar, educator, entrepreneur, and champion of cultural knowledge.

Dr. Falú has devoted her work to education, intellectual development, and creating opportunities for others to grow. Her leadership reminds us that knowledge becomes most powerful when it is shared, made accessible, and used to uplift an entire community.

Through scholarship and service, she has helped affirm the importance of Puerto Rican and Latino history, identity, and achievement. Her example encourages young people to pursue education while remaining connected to their culture, families, and communities.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor Dr. Georgina Falú for showing us that education is not simply a personal accomplishment. It is a community resource and a pathway toward empowerment.

Explore her story and help us bring Latin Roots home to East Harlem.

https://www.harlem-is.org/latin-roots