Harlem Is…Immigrant Stories at Harlem Hospital Center, 2fl. – New York, NY

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.

FREE

RSVP required

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 whose work “promotes a vibrant multicultural community.”

—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, a youth group conducted by Zack O’Farrill.

· 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.