HARLEM, NEW YORK CITY AND NEW YORK STATE HONOR MEMPHIS 200th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATING “A NEW CENTURY OF SOUL” BETWEEN TWO ICONIC COMMUNITIES

HARLEM, NEW YORK CITY AND NEW YORK STATE HONOR MEMPHIS 200th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATING “A NEW CENTURY OF SOUL” BETWEEN TWO ICONIC COMMUNITIES

Celebrating the powerful legacy of two iconic communities, Memphis today announced
its multi-year partnership with the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, the City of New York and New York State.
Launching with the 45th annual HARLEM WEEK, which this year runs from July 28 – August 31 in Harlem, the partnership
is designed to pay tribute to both iconic communities and their ongoing impact on culture, service, innovation and
education throughout the world. Harlem will specifically honor the City of Memphis’ bicentennial anniversary this year by
embracing “A New Century of Soul” as the theme and spirit of the partnership.
“In Memphis, we believe that it takes soul to find a rhythm all your own, to give more than you take and to change the
world around you. Harlem is one of the only other communities in the world that so closely shares this mind-set,” said
Mayor Jim Strickland, City of Memphis. “We are honored to partner with our iconic sister city of soul in Harlem, along with
the state and City of New York, in hopes of inspiring people from around the word to create positive change as part of a
‘New Century of Soul.’”
New York State, City and Harlem leadersinitiated the partnership today with an official proclamation in honor of Memphis
anniversary at the official HARLEM WEEK’s July 18th kick-off event at Gracie Mansion. Memphis leaders in culture,
education, service, and innovation, will join Harlem and New York City leaders to offer week-long Memphis programming
from August 12 – August 18. Residents and visitors of New York City will have the chance to experience Memphis soul and
to get a glimpse of what makes the city a truly iconic and impactful community.
“On behalf of the citizens of the State of New York, I am pleased to join with the internationally renowned Village of
Harlem in celebrating the bicentennial of Memphis, as it commemorates ‘A New Century of Soul,’” said New York State
Governor Andrew Cuomo.
“The Village of Harlem is honored to partner with the iconic city of Memphis as it celebrates its bicentennial. We are
pleased to host the artists, chefs and key representatives from Memphis from Aug. 12-18, as we join Memphis in
celebrating ‘A New Century of Soul,’” said Lloyd Williams, President of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.
Memphis music has changed the world and is once again creating a new sound across all genres. As an essential element
of the HARLEM WEEK partnership, multiple Memphis artists will perform in New York City throughout the week. On August
15th Cameron Bethany takes the stage during an outdoor concert at the Plaza of the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office
Building on W. 125
th Street. Later that night, Keia Johnson will perform at the Apollo Theater. During “Summer in the City”
and HARLEM DAY which takes place August 17 – August 18, Memphis artists Kina Del Mar, The PRVLG, and the dance
phenomenon Memphis Jookers will perform several sets during the festival.

Memphis’ rich food and beverage traditions will also be featured during HARLEM WEEK with “A Taste of Memphis &
Harlem” which runs from August 12 – August 18, showcasing a selection of popular dishes from each city at select Harlem
restaurants. Food from Memphis Black Restaurant Week Chef Eli Townsend of Sage Restaurant will be featured along with
Old Dominick drinks, helmed by the first female mater distiller in Tennessee, Alex Castle. Additionally, Harlem food
industry leaders like Sylvia’s, Melba’s, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Lucille’s, and Shake Shack will highlight Memphis chefs and
inspired dishes.
For more information on “A New Century of Soul,” please visit MEM200.com and join the conversation
on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

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