Podcast Summary: All Of It – Episode: Harlem-Centric Books for Black History Month

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Dana Bellow, Librarian at County Cullen Branch, New York Public Library
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Duration: Approximately 27 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the focus is on celebrating Black History Month through a literary exploration of Harlem's rich cultural and historical landscape. The episode delves into a curated collection of books that either take place in Harlem, are inspired by it, or are authored by Harlem residents. Dana Bellow, a librarian from the County Cullen Branch of the New York Public Library (NYPL) and a partner with the Schomburg Center, joins Alison to discuss the Harlem Community Collection and its significance.

Harlem: A Cultural Epicenter

Alison Stewart opens the discussion by highlighting Harlem's pivotal role in Black history:

"It's famously known for the birthplace of the Harlem Renaissance in the '20s and became a hotbed of civil rights activism in the '60s and '70s. After falling during its decline in the '80s due to urban blight, it's once again revived itself as a culinary and arts destination." ([02:00])

Harlem has been a resilient community, continuously evolving while maintaining its cultural heritage. This enduring spirit is encapsulated in the newly established Harlem Community Collection at the NYPL.

The Harlem Community Collection

Dana Bellow provides an overview of the Harlem Community Collection:

"The Harlem Community Collection, located in three branches, was a collection donated by Friends of the Webster Library and was carefully curated by librarians." ([03:05])

This collection features a diverse range of books catering to children, young adults, and adults, showcasing Harlem's legacy through literature. Notable authors include Maya Angelou, Faith Ringgold, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, and Walter Dean Myers.

Featured Books and Recommendations

The episode features several listener recommendations and expert insights into key Harlem-centric books:

1. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Caller Nick from Manhasset praises this novel:

"It's the greatest American novel ever written... everyone should read that novel." ([04:49])

Dana emphasizes its significance in portraying life in Harlem and its critique of racism and power structures.

2. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Dana discusses the book's connection to Harlem:

"Zora Neale Hurston was a very big patron of the Harlem Renaissance... it talks about self-discovery, love, freedom, gender roles, race, and resilience." ([07:38])

Despite being set in the South, the book resonates deeply with Harlem's themes of identity and resilience.

3. The Street by Ann Petry

Caller Edson from White Plains recommends this groundbreaking novel:

"It's the first book by a black woman to sell a million copies... it talks about black single motherhood in the '40s Harlem." ([09:08])

Alison adds:

"It's wonderful... I can't recommend it highly enough." ([09:41])

4. Harlem is Nowhere by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts

Addison from Brooklyn introduces this contemporary work:

"It explores Harlem's literary history and social dynamics up to the Black Lives Matter protests." ([11:04])

The book intertwines personal experiences with scholarly research, offering a modern perspective on Harlem's evolution.

5. Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Dana highlights this YA novel:

"Walter Dean Myers was born and raised in Harlem... 'Monster' explores themes of guilt, perception, and identity through the protagonist Steve Harmon." ([14:43])

The book is notable for its screenplay format and its portrayal of the justice system's complexities.

6. When My Cousins Come to Town by Angela Shante & Jimmy's Rhythm and Blues by Michelle Meadows

These children's books are lauded for their heartwarming and educational content:

"They showcase the vibrant energy and diverse experiences of Harlem." ([18:49])

7. Beale Street Could Talk

Dana describes the novel's depiction of 1970s Harlem:

"Harlem was a vibrant cultural hub with jazz and soul, juxtaposed with economic struggles from the crack epidemic." ([19:47])

8. Push by Sapphire & All Shot Up by Chester Himes

Dana discusses these intense narratives:

"'Push' deals with trauma and resilience, while Chester Himes' 'All Shot Up' offers gritty crime narratives reflective of urban life's violent realities." ([21:57] & [22:56])

9. Felonious Monk by Robin D.G. Kelley & Queenie Godmother of Harlem

Listeners recommend these works for their historical and cultural depth.

10. Down the Up Staircase, Three Generations of a Harlem Family

Dana recommends this exploration of multi-generational African American experiences in Harlem.

11. Additional Recommendations

Other notable mentions include:

• A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
• Heart of Woman by Maya Angelou
• Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
• Simple by Langston Hughes

Listener Contributions

Throughout the episode, listeners share personal connections and recommendations:

• Ann from White Plains:
  Recounts her first library card at County Cullen and her love for Langston Hughes' depiction of Harlem life.

  "It's the world that I saw or still knew." ([12:25])

• Brenda from Parsippany, NJ:
  Talks about discovering Langston Hughes through a family-run store and recommends "Harlem Shuffle" by Colson Whitehead.

  "It shows the Hotel Teresa, the Apollo... places that you know and some that no longer exist." ([20:39])

• Jean from Harlem:
  Celebrates her long-term relationship with the County Cullen Library and recommends Maya Angelou's "The Bluest Eye."

  "Maya Angelou herself was a resident of Harlem." ([24:51])

These contributions underscore the personal and communal significance of Harlem-centric literature.

Community Initiatives

Dana Bellow mentions ongoing projects aimed at fostering a love for reading within the community:

"Black Men Read is a book club for black men to engage with literature about their experiences, encouraging young black boys to read more by seeing role models enjoy reading." ([15:43])

This initiative highlights the library's commitment to nurturing literary engagement across different demographics.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the segment by acknowledging the invaluable role of the County Cullen Library in preserving and promoting Harlem's literary heritage. The Harlem Community Collection serves as both a reflection and a celebration of Harlem's enduring cultural legacy, offering a diverse array of books that cater to all ages and interests.

"We're talking about Harlem Books, based in Harlem. Do you have a favorite book based in Harlem or a famous book from the Renaissance or perhaps a book that you've always wanted other people to read?" ([26:14])

Notable Quotes

• Alison Stewart on Harlem's Resilience:

  "People have lived and worked and created art in Harlem throughout it all. Such is the spirit of a new book collection at the New York Public Library." ([02:00])

• Dana Bellow on Community Outreach:

  "We offered a lot of in-person services that helped a lot of the community... people who lived under the scaffold that we couldn't reach to get help." ([06:02])

• Caller Nick on "Invisible Man":

  "It's the greatest American novel ever written... and it's just a masterpiece." ([04:49])

• Ann from White Plains on Langston Hughes:

  "It was really sort of the world that I saw or still knew." ([12:25])

Final Thoughts

This episode of All Of It serves as a compelling homage to Harlem's literary and cultural milestones. Through expert insights and heartfelt listener stories, Alison Stewart and Dana Bellow illuminate the profound impact of Harlem-centric literature in shaping and reflecting the community's identity. Whether you're a Harlem resident or someone looking to explore its rich history, the Harlem Community Collection offers a treasure trove of narratives that celebrate resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Harlem.