ANNOUNCING LIFT EV’RY BLACK VOICE OF FIRE BUS TOUR and UNVEILING OF THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Harlem Heritage Markers Project

While We Are Still Here, Inc., a heritage-preservation organization, founded in 2015, announces SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Harlem Heritage Markers Project, which consists of the installation and dedication of 25 historic markers throughout the famed community. The initiative is intended to honor individuals, organizations and events that imbue Harlem with its unique character.

The unveiling ceremonies and dedication of the markers will take place over two years beginning in August of 2023. Each event will feature a notable figure to dedicate the markers.

On Sunday, August 13, 2023, a bus tour will take guests to the unveiling and dedication of four of the 25 markers.

The day’s schedule is as follows:

1:00pm – 2:00pm 2395 Frederick Douglas Blvd.
Marcus Garvey, a Jamaica-born political activist and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and African Communities League. Current members of UNIA will offer remarks.

2:30pm – 3:30pm 1763 Amsterdam Ave.
Malcolm X, an American Muslim minister and human rights activist. His daughter Ilyasah Shabazz will offer remarks on her father’s legacy, joined by award-winning author, Herb Boyd

4:00pm – 4:30pm 12 Jumel Ter.
Lawrence Neal, a scholar, professor, poet, critic, and playwright. His widow, Evelyn Neal, and son, Avatar Neal, will offer their remembrances. Neal’s Lincoln College classmate, Sam Anderson, and journalist, Playthell Benjamin, will offer their remarks.

4:30pm – 5:00pm 437 W. 162nd St.
J. Rosamond Johnson is known as one of the most prolific African American composers during the turn of the 20th century through the Harlem Renaissance. Johnson’s granddaughter, Melanie Edwards, will be on hand to offer enlightening perspectives on her grandfather; and radio and podcast host, Terrance McKnight will share his insight on Johnson’s continued, though quiet influence, on the impact of Black music.

5:00pm – 6:00pm
Lift Ev'ry Black Voice of Fire Performance Honoring J. Rosamond Johnson and Larry Neal, Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Ter. There will be a performance of excerpts from Larry Neal’s works by the cast featuring Keith Johnston, Eon Grey, Warner Miller, and Bryce Michael Wood. J. Rosamond Johnson’s music will be performed by Damien Sneed, piano; Marcelle Davies-Lashley, voice; and Josh Henderson, violin. More unveilings are scheduled for 2023 and 2024.

For the bio of the founder of
While We are Still Here, Karen D. Taylor, click here

For the Announcement Press Release of all 2023 markers, click here

For bios of dedicators and performers, click here

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