Poetic Memories of Harlem U.S.A
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
The author was born and raised in Harlem, New York. Athletically active as a youngster in Harlem, NY. Quite familiar with Harlem explicitly from 110th St to 155th St. The poems reflect my growing up days in Harlem and other historical and personal events of my life. They go to the heart of life in Harlem during its hey day. It was during these times during the 40s and 50s Harlem was known as the "Mecca" for black life in America, long before any other city could lay claim to this title. My poems relate to the entertainment palaces, such as the Apollo and The Savoy Ballroom, the adolescent days of fun, the hazards and remembrances of people such as Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Adam Clayton Powell and Shirley Chisolm. Appropriately the title of this collection is "Poetic Memories of Harlem USA" encompassing at least 70 memorable times, places and people. The title of some of the poems are "The Mecca", "The Gypsies", "Spanish Lady", "Ole St. Nicholas", "The Backyard", "Coldwater Flats", "Speakeasy", "Numbers", "Up on the Roof", "The Icebox"," The Boogeyman" , etc. The author has no doubt that the titles of many of the poems will resurrect the consciousness of those who have ever lived or visited Harlem and hopefully that the time and energy to please those who have never been to Harlem will find them interesting, educational and informative.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Born and raised in Harlem, New York. Athletically active as a youngster in Harlem. Quite familiar with Harlem explicitly from 110th St to 155th St. My poems reflect my growing up days in Harlem. They go to the heart of life in Harlem during its hey day. It was during these times during the 40s and 50s Harlem was known as the “Mecca” for black life in America, long before any other city could lay claim to this title. My poems relate to the entertainment palaces, such as the Apollo and The Savoy Ballroom, the adolescent days of fun, the hazards and remembrances of people such as Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Adam Clayton Powell and Shirley Chisolm. Appropriately the title of this collection is “Poetic Memories of Harlem USA” encompassing at least 70 memorable times, places and people. The title of some of the poems are “The Mecca”, “The Gypsies”, “Spanish Lady”, “Ole St. Nicholas”, “The Backyard”, “Coldwater Flats”, “Speakeasy”, “Numbers”, “Up on the Roof ”, “The Icebox”,” The Boogeyman” , etc. I have no doubt that the titles of many of my poems will resurrect the consciousness of those who have ever lived or visited Harlem and put my soul to rest that the time and energy to please those who have never been to Harlem will find them interesting, educational and informative.
About the Author
The author, James B. Cohen, Sr., having been born and raised in Harlem, NY is eminently qualified as a native son to document, confirm and substantiate events that occurred over many years in this community. As an alumnus of P.S. 119 and J.H.S. 139, I was afforded the opportunity at a young age to go forth into the world and preach the gospel that Harlem was alive and well. A scripture that has always been dear to the author is "There but for the grace of God, go I." The sadness contained within this scripture relates to many of my childhood playmates whose journey on the road of life prohibited them from exceeding the boundaries of 110th to 155th street. The author now resides in the city of Atlanta, Ga. His three siblings are grown and his beloved wife has passed on.