4 Things to Know and Do
What is Harlem Week?
Harlem Week is an annual celebration of the best of Harlem which works to promote its rich African-American, African, Caribbean, Hispanic, and European history, as well as arts, culture, religion, business, entertainment, and sports.
Harlem Week began in 1974 as HARLEM DAY, a one-day event of encouragement and fellowship in Harlem for New Yorkers and beyond. Given the huge success of the celebration, additional days were added to showcase the community’s rich economic, political, and cultural history.
During the 49 years of producing Harlem Week, the event has grown from a one-day event to a month-long festival and now, as a 10-day live and virtual event.
If you're like us at AND1, you're probably looking for some ways to be a part of the 2023 celebration. Here's what to know.
1) Hip Hop Turns 50
Get ready to rock the concrete stage as we throw down in Harlem, the very birthplace of the uncontainable hip hop spirit! From the gritty streets where it all began to the global takeover, we're rolling deep with rhymes, rhythm, and that raw Harlem truth. So lace up your kicks, let the beats hit the pavement, and join us in celebrating five decades of hip hop's relentless soul, daring attitude, and that unbreakable Harlem connection.
Keep spitting that fire, keep owning the mic, 'cause hip hop isn't just a genre – it's the heartbeat of the streets, and we're cranking up the volume to honor its untamed journey in the place where it all started: Harlem, where the rhythm never stops and the streets keep the party alive.
2) New York is Home to the Most Black Owned Businesses
Each August, the U.S. honors the success of Black entrepreneurship with the #NationalBlackBusinessMonth campaign.
NYC stands tall as the ultimate hub of hustle and heart, proudly flaunting its crown as the haven for black-owned businesses. From Harlem to Brooklyn, the city that never sleeps pulses with the rhythm of innovation and enterprise. According to BlackBusiness.com, New York state has the most (regardless of the gender of the owner) Black-owned businesses—-204,093—which is 10.6% of the businesses in the state, followed by Georgia, Florida, and Texas
In the city where diversity dances, and ambition reigns supreme, these businesses aren't just part of the landscape; they are the vibrant threads weaving the tapestry of tomorrow's success stories. NYC, where opportunities bloom and dreams become reality on every street corner.
3) Shout Out to a Harlem Street Ball Legend
Pay homage to the immortal Tyrone "Alimoe" Evans, a true icon of the streets and courts. With moves that defied gravity and a style that echoed the rhythm of the city, Alimoe was more than a baller – he was a symbol of the AND1 spirit, fearlessly pushing the limits and electrifying every court he touched.
His name became synonymous with creativity and raw authenticity, showcasing that the streets are where the real magic happens. From Harlem's asphalt courts to the hearts of ballers worldwide, Alimoe's legacy lives on, reminding us that legends never fade, they just inspire a new generation to blaze their path. Rest in power, Alimoe, your impact on the game is eternal.
4) Kick it at the Kingdome
As the sun dips and the lights blaze, the Kingdome transforms into a battleground where the streets' mightiest warriors go head-to-head. It's a clash of styles, an explosion of skills, and a celebration of the concrete jungle's soul.
Harlem's DNA pulses through every move, every slick dribble, as the court becomes a canvas for creativity and swagger. This ain't just a game – it's a heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping experience that's quintessentially AND1, and it's happening right here, right now, in the electrifying Kingdome.