Category: MMPCIA Community

Our Neighbors

MMPCIA sorrowfully joins the Harlem community in mourning the Monday, July 22, 2024 passing of one of our most accomplished civil rights activists, Michael A. Hardy, Esq. Michael was a native New Yorker, born and raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and ultimately became our neighbor on 122nd street.

Michael Hardy

Michael graduated from New York Law School and was admitted to the Bar of the State of New York; the Supreme Court of the United States, and each of the Federal District Courts within the State of New York. He was a founding member of the National Action Network, Inc (NAN) and served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel to NAN and Rev. Al Sharpton for over 25 years. He was at the forefront of key civil rights and police misconduct cases including the matters of Eric Garner, Noel Polanco, Sean Bell, Abner Louima, Amadou Diallo, Fermin Arzu, Ousmane Zongo, and many others.

In April 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo appointed Michael as a member of the Commission on Youth, Public Safety and Justice, which resulted in raising the age of criminal liability in New York from 16 to 18 years old. Michael participated in the U.S. Department of Justice’s creation of the Clemency Project, where the Obama administration began an effort to release low-level drug offenders sentenced to life or near-life prison sentences under mandatory sentencing guidelines that would not be applicable today.

Michael had a passion for the theater that included pursuing a career in drama prior to his decision to go to law school, and used that talent during trials. His latest accomplishment was publishing “Constitutional Policing: Striving for a More Perfect Union” in 2023. The book examines the issues of policing in America and the pathways to achieve a level of constitutional policing that begins to address how our diverse nation and the communities we live in can become safer, more equitable, more respectful of our differences.

Michael shared his time and legal expertise with representatives of MMPCIA and the Greater Harlem Coalition to innovate and implement strategies to reverse red-lining governmental policies that plague Harlem and the Mount Morris Park historic district. His involvement resulted in the first community meeting in over 50 years with the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), the government agency responsible for licensing substance abuse clinics, and a first ever acknowledgement that current government policies have a quantitative negative impact on Harlem..

Justice Warrior, actor, author, and volunteer. Michael will be missed.

August 11, 2024

Marcus Garvey Park Historic Preservation

History, In the Neighborhood, MMPCIA Community

The Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association (MMPCIA), Marcus Garvey Park Alliance, and Save Harlem Now!, are serving as community partners with the NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to nominate Marcus Garvey Park for inclusion in the National and State Registers of Historic Places. These registers are the official lists of sites and structures significant to New York’s history, recognizing important locations across the state.

Marcus Garvey Park’s potential inclusion highlights its significance in Harlem’s rich local history. Notably, only 3% of the sites currently listed are related to African-American history. Having Marcus Garvey Park listed can help redefine historical significance and improve access to funding and preservation resources. This support is vital for maintaining and enhancing the park as a historic site within the already recognized Mt. Morris Park Historic District.

Inclusion in the National Register could qualify the park for preservation grants and tax incentives, which are crucial for ongoing maintenance and educational projects. It also helps ensure the park’s history is preserved and celebrated for future generations, enhancing community pride and historical awareness.

The application includes gathering oral histories and community collaboration, documenting the park’s contributions to our shared heritage. We are calling for community members to contribute their stories and memories of Marcus Garvey Park.** Your experiences are invaluable to capturing the essence of what makes this park a cornerstone of Harlem’s cultural and historical landscape.

Join us in preserving and celebrating Marcus Garvey Park. Contact us to share your story or to learn more about the nomination process.

August 11, 2024

Annual Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association Stoop Sale Welcomes Visitors

MMPCIA Community, Programs

Upcycle Through Harlem’s Mount Morris Park Historic District

Monday, May 6, 2024, New York, NY – Get ready for a day of community connection and sustainability as the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association (MMPCIA) brings back its beloved Stoop Sale event on Sunday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will be the third and largest, with more than 50 stoops participating. All of this is set within the beautiful catchment area known as the Mt. Morris Park Historic District from 116th to 124th Street, between Madison Ave. and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., will offer a treasure trove of unique finds available for sale for visitors.

Neighbors in the landmark historic district look forward to decluttering their dwellings of pre-loved and occasionally, new items, of which 3% of sales will benefit MMPCIA and its work to help sustain its programming that includes youth scholarships, park and street beautification and local economic development. From 5 – 6:30 p.m. there will be a raffle prize drawing and a live classics set by DJ Russ Brown on Lenox Avenue bet. 119th and 120th Street.

“With its small businesses, restaurants, museums and sounds of music, our community is integral to the rich legacy of, not only central Harlem but, of New York City. This 3rd annual MMPCIA Stoop Sale allows us to have fun with neighbors and visitors from near and far,” said Madlyn Stokely, president MMPCIA. “Our invitation to upcycle through our historic district, in a small but impactful way, helps to lessen waste by stopping by our stoops for new-to-you, fashion finds, books, jewelry and home goods, while enabling us to continue our important work for generations to come.”

Residents in the Mt. Morris Park catchment area can still register their stoop through Sunday, May 12. Go to https://www.mmpcia.org/event/stoopsale/ to register, sign-up for volunteer opportunities or to plan your visit. Monetary donations can be made at https://www.mmpcia.org/donate/.

“Advocating respect for people, environment and animals, through sustainable efforts, our team is excited to host one of our largest events of the year,” said Syderia Asberry Chresfield, co-chair, MMPCIA Stoop Sale committee. “Now that spring has sprung, what a wonderful time to come shop, eat and play on our storied blocks.”

Contact: Syderia Asberry (917) 674-3313
stoopsale@mmpcia.org / (929) 520-0722

May 9, 2024

How the Ruins Survived and Why Landmark Protection Matters Today

History, In the Neighborhood, MMPCIA Community

In the past, brownstone homes along Mt Morris Park West between 120th and 121st Street affectionately known as “The Ruins,” were abandoned buildings that stood neglected for years. These derelict brownstones — seized in the 1960’s by the state for an urban renewal project, which never happened — were once the centerpiece of the neighborhood’s landmark district. However, thanks to the collective efforts of the MMPCIA, Patricia Pates Eaton, Harold Dolly, Olive and Julius Adams, Helen Murray, Hilda Stokely, and many others, the Ruins have been revitalized, serving as a beautiful reminder of our commitment to preserving our heritage.

The Ruins were left vacant and unmaintained for many years, Despite efforts to restore and preserve them, they faced the threat of demolition due to an emergency order issued by the Department of Buildings. This issue sparked community activism and intervention to save these historic structures from destruction. The buildings have been restored to their former glory, and serve as a major architectural pillar in the community.

Read the full New York Times article to learn more about the history of the Ruins and the transformation that has occurred.

As we remember this milestone, we’re reminded of the importance of our ongoing efforts to protect and revitalize our community. Today, we face new challenges, such as those on 119th Street, and on Malcolm X Blvd. where neglected buildings have been demolished.

These buildings, once important landmarks, now are gone and we’re at work building strategies to prevent these actions by unchecked developers from happening again.

With your help, we can make a difference in preserving our neighborhood’s heritage together. Stay tuned for our Landmark Community Meeting coming in June. “Save our Buildings and Culture”

May 5, 2024

Women’s History Month Honorary 2024

MMPCIA Community

March 9, 2024

Welcome To MMPCIA’s New Website

MMPCIA Community

Welcome to the newly revamped website for the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association! We are excited to provide a fresh look and user-friendly experience for our community members and visitors.

As a non-profit organization, we strive to improve the quality of life for residents of the Mount Morris Park neighborhood and surrounding areas in Harlem, New York City. Our mission is to foster a sense of community, preserve our historic architecture and green spaces, promote cultural events, and advocate for the needs of our diverse community.

On this website, you will find information about our organization’s history, current initiatives, and future events. You can also learn about the many ways you can get involved in our efforts, whether it’s by volunteering your time, attending community meetings, or supporting our fundraising campaigns.

We invite you to explore the website and learn more about the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association. We welcome your feedback and suggestions as we continue to improve this platform to better serve our community. Thank you for your support!

April 13, 2023