Harlem Signs of the TimesHarlem, New York – While We Are Still Here, Inc., a community-based organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Harlem’s rich history and culture, announces the completion and installation of 21 heritage markers. The initiative honors the individuals, organizations, historical events, and sites that have shaped Harlem’s unique identity. The initiative to install metal markers throughout Harlem was conceptualized in 2020, but due to the pandemic, the project was delayed. Unveiling ceremonies for the signs began in August of 2023, and honored Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, J. Rosamond Johnson, and Larry Neal (See press release here.) In September of the same year the marker for Coleman Hawkins was unveiled at an event that was followed by a Second Line march led by the great saxophonist’s grandsons. The procession culminated at the 7th Annual Sugar Hill Music Festival (see original press release  here.)

In May of 2024, the marker for Regina Anderson Andrews, the first African American librarian to head a New York Public Library branch, was the first to be officially installed. The sign is located near the Washington Heights Library at 1000 St. Nicholas Avenue. (See original press release here.)

Out of the 25 markers, only four were not installed due to construction taking place at the designated sites. These include Hotel Teresa, Malcolm X, National Memorial African Bookstore and Colonial Parkway Apartments (409 Edgecombe Avenue). To see a complete list of installed signs click here.

To see the list in Google Maps, click here.

"It’s exciting to see the SIGNS OF THE TIMES markers throughout the neighborhood. It’s our contribution to making Harlem’s history unavoidable,” says Karen D. Taylor, founder and executive director of While We Are Still Here. She adds, “it brings me such great joy to see community residents taking selfies in front of the markers and celebrating the historical moments that paved the way for many people globally.”

The SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Harlem Heritage Markers Project is made possible by the generous support of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and New York Life. While We Are Still Here receives additional support from the Mellon Foundation, New York Community Trust, Humanities NY, National Endowment for the Humanities, West Harlem Development Corporation, Harlem Community Development Corporation, and the Columbia Medical Center Neighborhood Fund.

Special thanks to the following partners: Harlem Education Project at Teachers College, New York Public Library, the CUNY Spitzer School of Architecture, the Jazz Foundation of America, and Reel Sisters of the Diaspora.

Photos available upon request.

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