Established in 1896 and now one of the longest active Chambers of Commerce in the world, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 125th year of service to the community earlier this year.
The festivities took place back in February, though the actual anniversary itself arrived in 2021; the COVID-19 pandemic had delayed the celebrations until this year).
Nevertheless, the anniversary gala was heavy with snapshots of Harlem in different eras were on display: The Apollo Theater, famous Harlemites, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington at The Savoy Ballroom, Dwight Eisenhower who would become Columbia University’s president, Al Pacino in “The Godfather,” Julius “Dr. J” Irving at Rucker Park, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton meeting with the chamber in Harlem.
The gala featured decorated honorees, including Columbia University president Lee Bollinger, NAACP New York State Conference President Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, former Congressman Charlie Rangel, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jekmar Associates President Louis Katos and Manna’s Restaurant Owner “Chef” Betty Park.
There has been much to celebrate in recent times and amNewYork Metro sat down with Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce President Lloyd Williams on Sept. 14 to catch up on several topics: the new Renaissance Hotel on 125th Street, International Taste of Harlem, Harlem Week, and what it means to Williams to lead the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce past 125 years of serving the greater Harlem area.
amNewYork Metro: There are several new and upcoming developments for the 125th Street business district, including the Renaissance New York Harlem hotel on 125th Street, which held its soft opening on Aug. 26 and will celebrate its grand opening on Oct. 20. Could you share more about the developments and what they will bring to the area?
Williams: I’m much excited. The Renaissance project is really multiple things happening. There is a 200-plus room…
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