This inaugural issue of Harlem Torch Quarterly marks a new season in the lifecycle for my family as we reach a decade as bona fide Harlemites.  We celebrate all the joy and despair that comes with our love affair with Harlem.  And we are honored to capture the essence of this community, in a broader sense, through the eyes of our friends and neighbors who share in this romance.

Ten years ago we arrived as bright-eyed Midwesterners, full with hope. With assurance, I told my young sons, who worried about the cutbacks, to consider our small apartment a dorm and New York their new campus. But I had no idea how true that statement would be for all of us. We have each grown up here, and would give nothing for this extraordinary journey.

My first visit to Harlem was during my early 20’s and immediately I was in love. Never had I seen so many beautiful shades of Brown in one place. It was like something my soul had been longing for my entire life. The cultural experiences I had growing up included Jack and Jill, Inc., Links, Incorporated and the annual powwow at the All-American Indian Center.  Jack and Jill, was cool. The Links were cool. What I remember most about both is that my hair was severely straightened and my clothes impeccable for all the events, astonishingly even more so than the norm.  But for some reason I always thought there must be more – more in a cultural sense, that is. Otherwise my childhood was great. My parents were both trailblazers, their parents, too, and materially, we were blessed.

Oh, but, Harlem! That one taste of Harlem left me pining. It was like the love I left behind until a strange twist of fate reunited us.  Finally, I was no longer courting Harlem, we nested.  And just like with any other great relationship, there are highs and lows.  One never truly knows their companion during courtship. So, after a long honeymoon, we faced a maturation phase that gives us the right to say that we are bona fide, Harlemites.  I didn’t truly know my love until I settled in. How could things be so different from one city block to another? Why were the public schools in my district struggling as opposed to those a few blocks down that were flourishing?  How could something that I loved so much, hurt so badly? But for true love, we fight passionately.

Fortunately, we were not the only people in this Harlem love story. That’s what we discovered on the other side of our journey. The people of Harlem are second to none. This rich culture comes through its people and that is what this publication is about – the remarkable people of Harlem. The Harlem Torch is an expression of love for our Harlem - that shines a light on the folks that inhabit it. Each day is new here. There is a story inside every brownstone, within the church walls, on the streets and in the barbershops. Each Harlem block has its own celebrity or two.

Our community is responsible for producing this issue. We thank you Peggy, for the fabulous cover and a special thanks to Princess and Selina for believing. I thank my sons, who are my partners – I’m glad that we’ve grown up together.  Thank you Mommy and Daddy for keeping our refrigerator filled. The phenomenal staff of interns: Trevor, Veronica, Avril, Eli, and Quayson, you all are the best. All of our lives have been preserved and blessed by God who deserves all the Glory – thanks from a grateful heart.