Mavens of Black culture: Maitefa Angaza, Karen Taylor

Last weekend saw a profusion of celebrations in Harlem and Brooklyn, beginning with one for Maitefa Angaza, who joined the ancestors on August 8, at the Major Owens Community Center. It was a glorious turnout for Angaza, whose literary productions equaled her commitment to marginalized communities. She left us with a tremendous legacy, including a generous supply of books from her collection, freely available for attendees, and some folks took more than one.

Watch WWSH founder Karen D. Taylor's interview with Sandra Bookman on 'Here and Now'  - ABC7 NY

https://abc7ny.com/here-and-now-sandra-bookman-black-orchestral-network-equality/14367577/ (Timestamp at 9:10)

"At a time when Black history is being pulled from school curriculums, one organization is on a mission to keep Harlem's history front and center. 

The group, While We Are Still Here Inc., is installing 25 historic markers to honor those who have given the community its unique character. It's called the Sign of the Times Harlem Heritage Markers Project. 

And here to tell us more is the founder and executive director of While We Are Still Here, Karen D. Taylor."

Harlem, known for its vibrant cultural legacy and historic significance, is commemorating its rich Black history through a series of historical markers.  These markers, initiated by the preservation organization While We Are Still Here, aim to celebrate influential figures and events that have shaped the neighborhood's identity. The group says it’s paying homage to those of the past before that unique oral history is forgotten.

NEW YORK (PIX11) – The Sugar Hill Music Festival is taking place this weekend in Harlem, and it’ll be paying tribute to a Black music pioneer who played alongside Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk.

Jazz saxophonist Coleman Hawkins was a star soloist who honed his skills in Harlem, where his legacy will now be on permanent display due to the work of cultural historian Karen Taylor.

Watch the video player for more on this story.