Care to go for a little walk – or, in truth, a rather long one? Let’s start as far uptown as I ventured on my recent stay in Harlem – at the Riverbank State Park near 145^thSt, flanked by the Hudson on one side and rather large apartment buildings on the other.

It is an extensive space made for strolls, picnics, swimming in one of the Aquatic centers, admiring the beautiful view of the George Washington Bridge or taking a ride on a carousel. That carousel was what lured me to the park in the first place, I had heard that an artist had designed the creatures on it based on drawings by grade school children and that it was altogether enchanting. Wouldn’t you know it, it was closed and shuttered, the day I walked by. 

I went slowly back South, walking along the elevated tracks of the subway, still in all its original glory, and noisily shaking the street every time a train comes by.

Along the street trucks are parked that deliver the fruit and vegetables for the vendors on the side walk.

Schools have names that remind of the community’s heritage

and window displays as well as murals remind us of recent history.

Close to the corner of 132^ndSt and Malcolm X Ave you can hang out at the Revolution Books store, formerly located in the Village (when I lived there in the early 80s) until displaced by skyrocketing rents.  

If you cross over to the East to 127^thSt you can visit the brownstone that Langston Hughes occupied in his lifetime. Now a small museum and mostly a space run and utilized by the I, too Arts Collective, it features readings and other cultural events. 

Here is MLK Jr. reciting one of Hughes’ poems:

Not far away are the famous Apollo and the National Black Theatre, respectively.

If you head down to 116^thSt you can see the mosque on your way,

and in general admire action on the street, from advertisements to interesting footwear. 

Having worked up an appetite you can make it all the way down to 109^thSt, crossing over back West to Amsterdam Av and have a splendid dinner at Atlas Kitchen, where dead fish rule.  

Bon appetit!  (Pack sneakers!)

And here is Hughes himself reciting: