Harlem Week 2018: Events, Theme, 'A Great Day In Harlem'

HARLEM, NY — It's nearing the end of July, which means Harlem is getting into celebration mode. This Sunday's "A Great Day in Harlem" kicks off the annual Harlem Week, which despite its name will continue on throughout the month of August.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend "A Great Day in Harlem" at the U.S. Grant National Memorial Park near West 122nd Street and Riverside Drive, according to Harlem Week's organizers. The day-long celebration will feature a picnic, fashion show, arts and crafts and a series of concerts and performances.

Want to know more about the month-long celebr

History:

Harlem Week is a neighborhood tradition dating back to 1974. That year, a tribute to Harlem residents who stayed in the neighborhood through tough times was organized and called Harlem Day. As part of the inaugural Harlem Day, Seventh Avenue was renamed Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard to honor the long-time Harlem congressman and minister.

The event was a huge hit and inspired organizers to add more programs in the years following.

While the event has grown from a one-day celebration to an month-long festival, the core purpose remains the same. Harlem week is a celebration of what makes the neighborhood unique and is intended to promote Harlem's rich historic, cultural, artistic and religious traditions.

Themes:

This year's Harlem Week is all about equality and inclusion. The festival's main theme is "Women Transforming Our World: Past, Present and Future." The sub-theme "The Community Within The Community" is a salute to members of the LGBTQ community.

Events:

Harlem Week will feature more than 100 events which will attract an expected 2 million people this year, according to organizers. Harlem Week will kick off with "A Great Day in Harlem" on Sunday, July 29 and end with the Percy Sutton Harlem 5k Run on Saturday, August 25.

Two of the most anticipated yearly events always occur on the same weekend: "Summer in the City" on August 18 and "Harlem Day" on August 19. Both of these events span the entire day and include entertainment such as a children's festival, free swimming, a fashion show for designers of color, a concert, an auto show and more.

Check out all the Harlem Week events on the festival website.

Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images News/Getty Images