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Harlem residents are mourning the tragic death of a local business owner and grandmother who was killed by a stray bullet. On Tuesday (April 22), a barrage of gunfire broke out along West 113th Street and Lenox Avenue. Excenia Mette, 61, heard the shots and rushed out of the building to check on her grandson to see if he was safe. According to New York Police Department officers, she was struck in the head by a bullet exchanged in the crossfire between two groups.Mette was rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Metteâs death was met with grief by area residents, who called her Momma Zee. âShe threw block parties, she did stuff for the kids,â her niece, Myisha Jordan, said to Gothamist in an interview on Wednesday (April 23). âShe was a real good soul. She didnât deserve to be laid out on the street.Â
Mette was a business owner, and according to a GoFundMe campaign she began during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the first Black woman to own a bodega in New York City since 1987. She was the owner of Momma Zeeâs Food to Plez Deli, located on Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and West 123rd Street, moving up from selling plates of food outside of her apartment building.The NYPD arrested Darious Smith, a 23-year-old who was shot in the foot during the incident. NYPD Captain James Whitlock told the press that it was believed he was an intended target, and was found with a firearm in his possession. Detectives are searching for three other individuals involved in the incident, including the person who fired the shot that killed Mette.âThis is a horrific, horrific incident that took the life of a grandmother,â Mayor Eric Adams said when visiting the scene Wednesday, adding: âThe case in itself just personifies what we have been talking about. When you get gangs, when you get repeated offenders, when you get drugs, you get a result of innocent people being the bystanders to violence.â The shooting death is the first this year for the 28th Precinct, which encompasses the neighborhood area of Harlem above Central Park.
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Hazel Dukes, the former NAACP national president and national civil rights leader, passed away in Harlem over the weekend.
On Saturday (March 1), longtime civil rights activist Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes died at her home in Harlem, New York. She was 92. Her passing was announced by her only son, Ronald. Former New York Governor David Patterson, a close friend and former neighbor of Dukes when she lived in Roslyn, Long Island, confirmed to reporters that she passed away at 6:20 a.m. surrounded by her family.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17, 1932, Dr. Dukes was born to Edward and Alice Dukes. Activism was a strong influence from her youth, as Edward Dukes was a Pullman porter and union organizer, and one of their neighbors was Rosa Parks, who would become an iconic figure of the Montgomery bus boycott. After moving to New York in 1955 with her family, Dr. Dukes worked for President Lyndon B. Johnsonâs Head Start program and became one of Nassau Countyâs first Black hires at the countyâs Attorneyâs office as well as the Economic Opportunity Commission.
She would make education and anti-poverty initiatives her focus for her political career, becoming a force alongside the âGang of Fourâ â Percy Sutton, David Dinkins, Charles Rangel, and Basil Paterson â representing Harlem and the Black communityâs interest for decades. It led to her 1977 election to lead the NAACPâs New York State Conference (a position she held until her passing) and to become president of the national organization from 1989 until 1992. Dr. Dukes was a passionate activist, unafraid to spar publicly with enemies such as former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, as she recounted in a New York Amsterdam News profile last year. âI had fights with them,â said Dukes. âWe had a NAACP convention. Giuliani was so bad that I said he could not even bring greetings. His behavior toward the Black community was so bad that he could not speak at an NAACP convention.â
Numerous political allies paid homage to Dr. Dukes upon the news of her death, including Mayor Eric Adams, who ordered all flags at City Hall to be lowered at half-staff in her honor. Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also decreed the same honor for Dr. Dukes upon hearing of her passing. Adams counted her as one of his most staunch supporters, having appointed her to his Charter Revision Commission in 2023, which was a temporary panel to suggest changes in city government.Â
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The Harlem home of the iconic New York Amsterdam News will soon become a museum as well as a community space.
For over a century, the New York Amsterdam News has been one of the staunchest voices of the Black community.
A new project will take its Harlem newsroom into a new phase, converting it and other floors in the 115-year-old location on Frederick Douglass Boulevard into a historic museum and community space. The paper is still in operation, in a digital format that reaches 135,000 monthly visitors on average, and runs a print edition of 40 pages thatâs released on Thursdays and available for $1.
The project was conceived and is being carried out by the Amsterdam News Educational Foundation, the nonprofit organization that currently owns the building. The first floor is set to be a community cafe and lounge, and the newsroom would move to the second floor, being leased out to the publication. The third and fourth floors of the building will compose the museum and gallery space, with part of the fourth floor to be renovated to look like a newsroom in the 1930s. There will also be an archival room set up for visitors and researchers. The foundation currently has raised $450,000 to plan and design the museum project.
âWe want to celebrate the pivotal role both The New York Amsterdam News, and the Black press writ large, have played in advancing civil rights in our country,â Editor-In-Chief and publisher Elinor Tatum said in an interview from the newsroom space where she still works from on the second floor. She took over the reins from her father, Wilbert Tatum in the 1990s. The newspaperâs nine editors and reporters are currently spread out in different cities, having worked remotely since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The publication is still beloved in the community, particularly due to Blacklight, the first investigative unit at a Black legacy newspaper. Blacklight is overseen by executive editor Damaso Reyes with two grant-funded reporters assigned to it. For Reyes, itâs a platform to build on a legacy that includes Malcolm Xâs first published opinions and its claim of coining the phrase âHip-Hopâ in the 1980s. âI want to give opportunities to young journalists of color that I didnât have,â he said of the unit.
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Source: Hope In Harlem / Hope In Harlem
A community event in Harlem focused on wellness and mental health for young people will feature NBA stars such as Allan Houston and Olympians along with other notable figures.
Source: Hope In Harlem / Hope In Harlem
The organizing committee behind the Hope In Harlem Conference announced their lineup of guests for the event. The in-person gathering will take place at the First Corinthians Baptist Church this upcoming Saturday (September 14), and there will be some notable athletes that will be on the distinguished list of speakers. Former two-time NBA All-Star and New York Knicks legend Allan Houston will attend, along with Olympic Gold Medalist and world champion track star Natasha Hastings and former Miami Heat guard and NBA champion Derek Anderson.
The 2024 Hope In Harlem Conferenceâs theme is about youth addressing mental health and wellness through sports and other activities in the community. It begins at 10 AM with the invited speakers engaging in a series of panel discussions, led by First Corinthian Baptist Church Senior Pastor Rev. Michael Walrond, MDiv. The panel discussions will touch on topics such as how families in New York City can gain better access to resources to bolster Other speakers include NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks, NBA Players Association Director of the Mental Health and Wellness Program Dr. Bill Parham, and Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti, PhD, the NFLâs Vice President of Wellness and Clinical Services. There will also be a fencing demonstration led by U.S. Olympic Team fencing coach Akhi Spencer-El.
Afterward, attendees and the public are invited to the wellness fair which will take place on 116th Street featuring free food, games, face painting, and other engaging activities. Health screenings and free information on resources will also be provided by vendors at the wellness fair. Aside from FCBC, other sponsors for the event include Coca-Cola, the Mother Cabrini Foundation, Athletes For Hope, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinia along with the American Psychiatric Association. The wellness festival will run from 1 to 4 PM.
For more information, those interested are invited to check out the eventâs website.Â
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There is no shade like fashion shade. Anna Wintour and Naomi Campbell threw some jabs at each other during a recent awards show.
As spotted on TMZ the Editor-In-Chief of Vogue Magazine was feeling petty this week. The media executive was asked to present the super model with the Icon Award at the Harlemâs Fashion Row Fashion Show And Awards. While on stage she seemed clearly annoyed that Naomi had yet to arrive to the event and proceeded to take a jab at her. âI am a very punctual person, and I have the honor of presenting tonight to someone who is often late,â Wintour said to which the crowd in attendance laughed. She proceeded to let Harperâs Bazaar editor-in-chief Samira Nasr that she would have to present Naomi the honor as Wintour exited the ceremony immediately after. She would be later spotted at the US Open.
Upon arriving it seems Naomi was notified that the Wintour had left the venue prompting her to address the situation in a very classy but charming way. âI want to say this. Everything is meant to work out the way itâs going to work out,â she told the crowd. âIt wasnât my choice to have the other lady. I would much rather have this,â Campbell said, nodding to Nasr. While the shade was indeed returned, Naomi did have some kind works for Wintour.
âSo thank you, Anna Wintour, for your support in my career from 1987, meeting a young Black girl from South London in British Vogue offices and taking a chance in giving me a shoot,â she added. âAnd so I thank you for your influence and your continuing support in pushing fashion forward also.â
Sources close to the event say that Naomi Campbell was not tardy and arrived at the time she was asked to. TMZ hears that Anna Wintour was the one who asked the committee to move up the presentation so she make the tennis match. You can see footage from the event below.
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Ma$e is currently the co-host of the It Is What It Is podcast with CamâRon, a long way from his time playing basketball and rising in the Hip-Hop ranks while in Harlem. On his podcast, Murder Ma$e shared details of beef he had with the late Big L, who allegedly set up the former Bad Boy Records rapper to be robbed.
On the Wednesday (June 26) episode of It Is What It Is, Ma$e, real name Mason Betha, told the tale of the beef he had with Big L. According to the Harlem World rapper, Big L reportedly stole lyrics from him and he decided to confront the Diggin In The Crates member.
Betha then says that after confronting the âPut It Onâ artist, he was at the famed Tunnel nightclub and said Fat Joe approached him to attempt to absolve himself of the beef. Later, Betha said that while walking in Harlem with former NBA player and current NBA coach God Shammgod, he was wearing his first Rolex watch.
He goes on to say that a person brandishing a weapon trained the gun on Shammgod and demanded Betha give up the watch. After contemplating running away, Betha said he threw the watch on the ground with him and Shammgod taking off.
The robber was reportedly located in jail and was served a little street justice inside the big house according to Ma$e.
On X, formerly Twitter, fans are reacting to the details of the story. Weâve got reactions from all sides below.
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Photo: Getty
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Source: Sarah Stier / Getty Images for Netflix
Iron Mike Tyson is returning to the ring, and pay-per-view wonât be needed since itâs going down on Netflix. The boxing icon will be squaring up with YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul in July, but they held their first press conference on Monday, May 13 in Harlem to promote the fight.
Source: Sarah Stier / Getty Images for Netflix
Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) and Jake âEl Gallo de Doradoâ Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) came face to face at The Apollo Theater in Harlem for a lighthearted press conference hosted by combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani. The two friends, who have been calling each other out for years, traded relatively tame shots, but Tyson was clear that once they enter that ring, they are not homies. âOnce heâs in that ring, he has to fight like his life depends on it, because it will be,â said Iron Mike, who also drew laughs when he admitted he felt terrible and was âsoreâ from training.
With Mike pushing 60, Paul is no slouch, and is plenty confident. âIâm going to show the world that I can outbox Mike Tyson, prove everyone wrong, and show that I will be the one doing the killing,â said Paul.
Good luck with that.
Paul and Tyson are scheduled to go eight, two-minute round for their pro bout. The fight will be streaming live globally on Netflix on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from the home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Also in attendance was the top tier âundercardâ match up of super lightweight world champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) and Amanda âThe Real Dealâ Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs), the unified featherweight world champion. In this rematch, Taylor will be defending her undisputed title in a scheduled 10, two-minute rounds.
Check out photos from the event in the gallery.
1. Mike Tyson x Jake Paul Presser
Source:Getty Images for Netflix
Katie Taylor, Mike Tyson, Jake âEl Gallo de Doradoâ Paul, Â Amanda âThe Real Dealâ Serrano
2. Mike Tyson x Jake Paul Presser
Source:Getty Images for Netflix
Katie Taylor, Â Amanda âThe Real Dealâ Serrano
3. Mike Tyson x Jake Paul Presser
Source:Getty Images for Netflix
Mike Tyson, Jake âEl Gallo de Doradoâ Paul
4. Mike Tyson x Jake Paul Presser
Source:Getty Images for Netflix
Mike Tyson
5. Mike Tyson x Jake Paul Presser
Source:Getty Images for Netflix
Jake âEl Gallo de Doradoâ Paul
6. Mike Tyson x Jake Paul Presser
Source:Getty Images for Netflix
Mike Tyson, Ariel Helwani, Jake âEl Gallo de Doradoâ Paul
7. Mike Tyson x Jake Paul Presser
Source:Getty Images for Netflix
Jake âEl Gallo de Doradoâ Paul, Â Amanda âThe Real Dealâ Serrano
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The Schomburg Center is buzzing as its annual Black Comic Book Festival takes place this weekend featuring some of the best of the industry.
Harlem is once again playing host to The Black Comic Book Festival this weekend, which will be held at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This year marks the 12th time that the festival that celebrates comics, anime, films, and more will be held at the venerable institution. The two-day festival which begins Friday (April 26) will feature panel discussions, workshops, a marketplace for attendees to purchase items from established and independent Black creators, and a cosplay showcase to close out the festival thatâs held across two floors of the center.
âOur creators are telling remarkable stories you often donât see on TV or get to read when youâre in the classroom,â said Kadiatou Tubman, the curator and executive producer of the event at the Schomburg. âThe event is critical because it provides representation, it provides the liberation of imagination.â She also stressed that promoting literacy among the young is the key goal. âThe event was really founded to encourage young people to read, to see themselves in the books and enjoy literature,â she said in an interview with Gothamist. âItâs a great entry point for young people and for all types of readers.â
The âSchomComâ panel discussions include a look at the upcoming IYANU animated series based on the âIyanu: Child of Wonderâ graphic novel series set in West Africa. The team behind the series will share details about it ahead of its upcoming premiere on Cartoon Network and Max. Another discussion will focus on Black women creators who are making strides in the resurgence of Black horror and fantasy. Attendance for the Black Comic Book Festival is free, but pre-registration is highly recommended â last year, the Schomburg reported that the festival had 8,000 in attendance. More details and registration can be found on their website.
A pair of R&B legends, Babyface and Usher, will be honored by The Apollo Theater in Harlem at its annual Spring Benefit on Tuesday, June 11. Babyface will receive the inaugural Legacy Award. Usher will receive the Icon Award.
âI am humbled to receive the inaugural Legacy Award,â Babyface said in a statement. âFor nearly a century, the theater has been a constant symbol of excellence in Black entertainment. So, for The Apollo to honor my legacy feels nothing short of amazing.â
âItâs an honor to be receiving this award from such an iconic and historic cultural institution in New York City â one that has hosted and paved the way for so many prominent people,â Usher said. âIâm humbled to be this yearâs recipient and look forward to seeing everyone soon.â
The event, which marks the Apolloâs 90th anniversary, will feature a special appearance by Big Daddy Kane, with more stars to be announced. Adam Blackstone will serve as musical director.
All proceeds will support the non-profit organizationâs year-round artistic, education, and community programs.
The Spring Benefit begins with red carpet arrivals at 5:00 p.m. followed by the benefit concert and awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m. The event will also include an afterparty designed by event designer and Apollo board member Bronson Van Wyck.
In addition, Babyface will be inducted into The Apolloâs Walk of Fame the previous day, Monday, June 10 at 11:30 a.m. ET. Inductees are honored with a plaque which is installed under the theaterâs iconic marquee on 125th Street.
Previous inductees into The Apolloâs Walk of Fame include Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Richard Pryor, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Jackie âMomsâ Mabley, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Ella Fitzgerald, Temptations and Mary J. Blige.
Babyface and Usher have won a combined 20 Grammy Awards â 12 for Babyface, eight for Usher. In addition, Babyface received a trustees award from the Recording Academy in 2021. Big Daddy Kane won a Grammy in 1991 for his role on Quincy Jonesâ celebrated Back on the Block album.
Blackstone won a Primetime Emmy in 2022 as music director of The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent. Usher headlined the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, which drew the largest audience in the eventâs history. This yearâs Primetime Emmy nods, where Usherâs halftime show is a likely contender, will be announced on July 17.
Visit www.ApolloTheater.org for more information. To purchase benefit tickets, make a donation, or for more information, visit www.apollotheater.org/event/spring-benefit-2024.
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The renowned artist and Harlem, New York, native Faith Ringgold, who blazed a trail for Black women artists for decades, has passed away.
On Saturday (April 13), the iconic artist Faith Ringgold, whose work as a multimedia artist and author left indelible impacts on other Black artists and museums, passed away at her home in Englewood, New Jersey, after a bout of failing health, according to her daughter Barbara Wallace. Ringgold was 93 years old. The news of her passing was first reported by her assistant, Grace Matthews.
Ms. Ringgoldâs artwork is a fixture in many museums and institutions around the world including the Guggenheim Museum, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the American Craft Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Museum of Fine Art in Boston. Her artwork, delved from her own experiences and inspiration from Tibetan quilt art, stood forth as highly personal and riveting.
Ringgold became known for her âstory quiltsâ which conveyed the depth of Black lives and particularly the joys and the strife of Black women. âI think of quilts as the classic art form of Black people in America,â she said in an interview in 2005. âWhen African slaves came to America, they couldnât do their sculpture anymore. They were divorced from their religion. So they would take scraps of fabric and make them into coverlets for the master and for themselves.â
She was born in Harlem, New York, in 1930 as the daughter of a seamstress and dress designer â the two would go on to collaborate on her future works. Ringgold taught art in the New York public school system while launching her career as a painter. She also fought for inclusion in museums for Black and women artists beginning in 1968. âI became a feminist out of disgust for the manner in which women were marginalized in the art world,â she said to the New York Times in 2019, adding: âI began to incorporate this perspective into my work, with a particular focus on Black women as slaves and their sexual exploitation.â
Ringgold also created several public works, including the âFlying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroinesâ mosaic murals found in the 125th Street subway station in her native Harlem. She also became a childrenâs book author and would be the recipient of numerous awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and a Guggenheim fellowship in addition to honorary doctorates.
