|
|
|
|
|
CultureShop:
Harlem At Its Best
By Steven Fullwood
Harlem
is changing - rapidly. No one knows this better than its long time
residents who walk past formerly abandoned buildings on the mend and
witness new businesses breaking ground. Some herald the impending
changes as good, while others argue that historic Harlem is being
destroyed in the wake of gentrification. Not so with Musa Jackson: he
sees opportunity. CultureShop, Jackson's latest project, attempts to
combine the best of Harlem - past, present, and future.
|
|
|
|
 Courtesy
Musa Jackson
Andre Brown (Gap Model),
Renuald White (First Black Model to appear on the cover or GQ) and Musa
Jackson (CultureShop Creator and '80's model)
|
|
CultureShop is a night
in Harlem where old meets new, in a historic Harlem venue. On
Wednesdays, at least twice a month, Jackson taps his voluminous
Rolodex to bring together a mélange of people for a night of music,
performance, and fashion.
|
|
|
|
"I am trying to create an energy
that's representative of the old, as with Lenox Lounge in this case,
and bring in new artists, the children of the Langstons and Zoras of
our day," Jackson said. "I want to serve as a connector
between the two eras," Born and bred in Harlem, Jackson's
perpetual smile is contagious. A gregarious, affable guy by nature,
he's someone you can easily imagine hosting parties in the speakeasies
of old Harlem. Jackson beams as he talks about his family whose
pictures, some of which date back to the 1800s, decorate his spacious
apartment.
|
|
|
|
"CultureShop is a way to reference
the history while giving a forum to the new voices in the arts,"
said the former model. "With that in mind, I'd like to be a part
of something that recognizes and preserves the culture of old Harlem.
For me that has meant hosting these events at the historic
Lounge." For Jackson, it goes much further than nostalgia.
"I want people to think about the history of Harlem, and the
history of black folk."
|
|
ADVERTISEMENT
Support MOSAEC, Visit Our Sponsors
|
|
|
|
Those attending CultureShop at Lenox
Lounge can expect to be entertained in an atmosphere where many jazz
greats, including Billie Holiday, once performed. The format of the
night begins with two hours of deejay-spun music, giving attendees an
excellent opportunity to network. Guests are then treated to a
showcase featuring an unsigned singer, rapper or musician, or a
fashion extravaganza. Due to the rising popularity of CultureShop,
RSVP is advised, as space is limited. "I want guests to
experience each event as a unique experience. Quality is the key word
here - it is everything," said Jackson.
The community also
benefits. "CultureShop donates a part of each event's show to a
community organization," Jackson said. "Past recipients
include Harlem Knights, the only football league in the community for
young black boys, and Harlem United, a wellness center that provides
help to HIV-positive community residents."
Looking towards the future, Jackson envisions making CultureShop even
larger and hosting the popular event in a permanent space.
"I had the idea to do CultureShop for maybe five months,
but it's part of a larger dream to own my own space here in Harlem,
and to do the same thing."M
November 2001
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Vote for MO'
Make Donation Below |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
