Candy's New York Blog: West Side Uptown

THE WEST SIDE

We head uptown past the theatre district. The giant billboards engulf and stimulate us. This is a charming area filled with Broadway shows and excitement. It's a busy city day. Theatre tickets can be gotten for half price (http://tdf.org/). The street has a circus-like atmosphere as crowds interact with colorful characters.

What's the plan? Where are we going? OK, group unite. Pay attention, we are at Rockefeller Center. The Plaza and Promenade are flanked by colorful flags. There are many ways to enter Rockefeller Plaza and it is an enclave with an aura of something special and vibrant. Spectators and groups gather here and it is a must for tourists. A notable guide , pictured above, leads his group in discovering the interesting architecture.

Notice the Art Deco designs which are on the GE building. These huge stone reliefs are rendered in this style which was popular in the 1930's (BB,p 248). It is characterized by distinctive geometric curves and

angles which echo in repetition.
More examples of Art Deco can be found by visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art http://www.metmuseum.org/ A major tenant of the GE building (formerly the RCA building) is NBC which is also a division of that company. A visit to their studios reveals how much they own and how much commercialism rules the media. It is important to remember that national broadcasting is often used to further the ends of private corporations who want a piece of our wallets. I have often thought that having access to powerful broadcasting tools is a privlege not the right of a few elite to further private agendas. Unfortunately, it is used in that way. The public needs to have a critical eye. So many network shows are run and controlled by the same parent company as is the case of NBC http://www.nbc.com/. It does not simply end with viewing. The purpose is to sell products and social concepts. It is a burgeoning economy and political force with strong social underpinnings. Rockefeller Plaza is also home to an ice skating rink, the famous Rainbow Room dining hotspot, and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck where panoramic views of the city can be had.

We head west for Thai lunch at Yum Yum's in Hell's Kitchen. It is one of the many ethnic restaurants along Ninth Ave. (BB, p 227) The food is 'yummy' and fresh. The coconut soup was tasty and the entree was prepared with peanut sauce. This is not heavy fare and definitely worth the culinary experience. Hell's Kitchen has an infamous history associated with mid-19th century gangs. The area is also known now as Clinton, a name which reflects the neighborhood's status of gentrification.

Out for a coconut crunch and fresh baked goods at Amy's Bakery. This store is tiny and offers unique breads,pastries, cakes and coffee. It is delightful to the palate as well as the eye.
Now, the #1 to Harlem and Morningside Heights. Harlem was named by the Dutch who originally founded it in 1658 as Nieuw Haarlem. It is located between the East and Harlem Rivers and the cliffs of Morningside Heights (BB p437). There is a long history of immigration to Harlem but ultimately it became the center for the largest community of African Americans in the US. It is the seat of Black American art, political change and cultural renaissance. One of the most interesting aspects of Harlem is the preponderance of churches. It is from the religious communities that African American leadership emerged. The Black Americans were prevented via segregation laws from participating fully as citizens. They did not have full access to the political arena and had to struggle to attain their democratic rights. Churches were a forum where people could gather and spread ideas for change. Many African-American politicians have Reverend as their title. Examples are Rev Jesse Jackson, Rev Martin Luther King, Rev Al Sharpton, Pastor Adam Clayton Powell and the list goes on. The Abyssinian Baptist Church was an influential religious gathering place. Adam Clayton Powell Jr was the son of the Pastor and succeeded him in that role. He was the city's first black councilman and was later elected to serve in the US House of Representatives. He focused on legislation for civil rights, education, the minimum wage and segregation in the armed forces (BB, p 441).

The famous Cotton Club, Appolo Theater and the Lenox Lounge were places where black talent performed and from which their careers were launched. Historically, white people were entertained at the shows where blacks performed but were not permitted to attend. That all changed after desegregation laws were passed.

Walking further through Morningside Heights we lighted upon Columbia University and absorbed some of the educational atmosphere as we lingered on the campus. This is an old and respected University. It is known for its professional schools including Union Theological Seminary (BB, p. 427). The Teachers College, affiliated with Columbia University is the oldest American college dedicated to educating teachers.
Nearby is the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Divine which is an Episcopal church where many social and cultural gatherings are held(BB, p.419) Many prominent parishoners attend including former US President Bill Clinton. As we continue walking through the hilly area of Morningside Heights we approach a fantastic, vibrant, larger-than-life size bronze statue of abolotionist Harriet Tubman. The artist has the figure emerging from a grass roots movement with vigor and energy. She is on a mission to free slaves and nameless people are engraved into her skirt which also bears evidence of the chains and schackles of slavery. This is a beautiful and energetic piece which is lovingly done.