3rd Annual Harlem Revive! - Jackie Robinson Park

New York, NY – Harlemites descended on the Bradhurst neighborhood’s Jackie Robinson Park Amphitheater on Saturday, August 1st to participate in Harlem Revive!: A Community Day of Unity. Presented by Harlem Congregations forCommunity Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) this community affair was designed to offer a social, emotional, spiritual and financial health revival for Harlem community residents.

Conceived and produced by Rev. Dr. Charles Butler, HCCI’s Vice President of Equitable Development, Harlem Revive united local businesses which interviewed job applications at the event; local clergy who preached encouragement; youth groups to entertain the children with arts and crafts; and community leaders and local residents who demonstrated a spirit of unity and community engagement.

“This event is designed to empower local residents to better their lives and improve their community,” said Dr. Butler. “Each year, Harlem Revive! demonstrates the power of unity by presenting this inspiring event.” Harlem Revive! also serves HCCI’s mission to empower Harlemites and rebuild communities.

The FDNY and New York Life Insurance Company sponsor the affair while the following community groups and churches participated: Access Wireless, American Heart Association, Arts Horizon, Ashley Stewart, Avon, Banana Republic, Bed, Bath & Beyond, BJ’s, C.O.P.E., Capital One Bank, Carver Bank , Chairman of, Crude Foods, Commission on Human Rights, Domino’s Pizza, Duane Reade Pharmacy, Dunkin Donuts, Fine Fair Supermarket, FPWA, Gap Store, Harlem Hospital, Home Depot, HSBC, Infinity Mennonite Church, Jacob’s Restaurant, Lane Bryant, Manna’s Restaurant, Matthew’s Baptist Church, Modell’s, Mount Sinai, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, NYPD, PS A6, Pathmark, Pioneer Supermarket, Popeye’s, Project Enterprise!, Ryan Center, SafeLink Wireless, Salvation & Deliverance Church, St. John’s AME Christian Parish of Spiritual Renewal, John’s AME Christian Parish of Spiritual Renewal, Starbuck’s, Subway, Sweet Mama’s, Target, T-Mobile, United Health and WIC.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer attended, she encouraged the audience to visit her at her new office located at 431 West 125th Street and said, “The fact that HCCI addresses housing and brings together family and community makes gatherings like this very important; because we have to work together.”

The affair also featured live musical performances by the First Baptist Church Liturgical Dance Ministry of Vauxhall, Michele Sweeting DeCaro, and numerous pastors including Rev. James Booker of St. John AME Church others attended and preached the gospel.

“The event was a great success,” said Derek Broomes, President & CEO of HCCI. “This is jmust one example of the work we do to empower and providing ongoing programs to serve the Harlem community and beyond.”