NABGC History: A Walk Through Historic Harlem (2005)

The New Amsterdam Boys Choir held its third annual Walkathon on Saturday, October 22. Despite the early morning rain, there was a great turnout of choristers, family members, friends, and supporters, ready to “take a walk through Historic Harlem.” Before the trek, walkers gathered at the Church of St. Edward the Martyr for a blessing by its rector, The Rev. Dr. Adam D. McCoy.

Reverend McCoy spoke of the history of St. Edward’s, from its mosaics and Arts and Crafts decorative elements to its rich cultural story, from the time East Harlem was built on marshland.

He talked about how early Anglican priests and parishioners required African American worshippers to sit in the back, partitioned by a rope. When Puerto Ricans moved into the neighborhood, which was by then mostly African American, he said, church members made sure their new neighbors were welcomed and not segregated. St. Edward’s was one of the first churches in the city to provide the Mass in both English and Spanish. Walkathon participants were inspired to get moving and view more historical sites of Harlem. Director James Backmon informed walkers of the significance of the sites on the route, highlighting some of the pivotal moments in African-American history.

Christian Mckinze & Kendall Aytch leaving for walk

Veteran choir members Michael and Juan Delgado led walkers up Madison Avenue. Jamie Black and Estelle Jacobs, parents of Corey and Kendall, both second year choristers, provided commentary on the land-marks along the route. Points of interest included Duke Ellington Circle, Marcus Garvey Park, the Studio Museum, Hotel Theresa, Apollo Theater, Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture, and houses along Strivers Row. Light rain fell, but walkers were well equipped with raincoats and umbrellas. By the time the group reached St. Nicholas Avenue, the rain had stopped, and the temperature warmed a bit. The walkers proceeded triumphantly down Lenox Avenue to Central Park, then east across 110th St. to St. Edward’s for a well-deserved (sit-down) pizza lunch.

Many thanks to Gail Westry, Campbell Pryde, Shelia Mapson, Doug Grant, and Alicia Middleton and Carolyn Jackson who welcomed walkers at the checkpoints along the route. NABC parents Lillian Koieman, Sarah Garrison, Donald Mapson, and Beth Wood participated as walkers, as did sup-porters Julie Zuckerman, Central Park East 1 principal, and veteran walker Elizabeth Crowell, who returned this year with her family, including her 19 month-old daughter, Louisa Wilson. Elizabeth contributed to the cost of t-shirts. Shelly Diaz also returned this year. She was accompanied by several coworkers from Credit Suisse First Boston who funded NABC last season.

Walkers getting fitted for t-shirts before walk

A special thank to our director and Sally Cleaver for their help in mapping the route and registering walkers. Many adults contributed their support for the NABC Walkathon this year, but all would agree that the boys’ dedication and enthusiasm made the five mile walk through Harlem a truly historic event.

Funds raised for the Walkathon, well above the $2,500 goal, will go towards general operation. The NABC is grateful for the support of St. Edward’s, Church of the Heavenly Rest, the Unitarian Church All Souls, and Central Presbyterian Church, who hosted performances by the choir this fall and pledged generously for the Walkathon.

Thoughts about the walkathon from choir members:

“The Apollo theatre is where a lot African-American performers became famous.” — Christian Mckinzie
“I felt good on the walkathon because I was with my friends.” — Alexei Frazer
“I was glad that was able to finish the walkathon.” — Daquan Gregg
“Harlem has a lot of history.” — Michael Delgado
“I learned that there are a lot streets in Harlem.” — Derek Garrison-Bedell
“I learned that Harlem has many different places to visit.” — Jonathan Burgos
“The Hotel Theresa on 125th Street was tall and beautiful. It really stood out.” — Alex Grant
“The Harlem YMCA was a place where famous singers and politicians stayed when they were in New York.”
“Harlem has a lot of history.” — Wrsheed Westry
“I learned about the art work in the Church of St Edward the Martyr.” — Donald Mapson
“The walkathon was inspiring and informative.” — Juan Delgado
“I was tired and hungry but I felt great when I finished.”— Kendall Aytch
“I was surprised that I walked five miles.” — Simon Jenkins
“It’s hard to walk to walk five miles. I was happy to finish, City College looks like a big castle.” — Gabriel Hernandez

Pizza and games after walk

Gabriel Hernandez, Daquan Gregg and Simon Jenkins enjoying pizza after walk