Students Find ‘Soul’ In Harlem

   MU students, faculty, friends and family discovered an evolving Harlem on Saturday, Feb. 20 during a trip sponsored by MU Multicultural Education.
   The trip began at the famous Cotton Club for a Gospel brunch followed by a walking tour of Harlem given by Harlem Memorial Tours. Students then had the options of exploring Harlem a little more with some free time, or enjoying a movie about the Harlem Renaissance before heading back to Dallas.
   The Cotton Club is a world famous night club that featured well-known jazz musicians including Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and it was influential during the Harlem Renaissance. Even though it is in a different location from the original hotspot, it doesn’t lack a thing. Students could feel the its history as they examined the old black and white photos that show the Cotton Club during the Renaissance period.
   As the aroma of the hot soul food filled the air, many couldn’t wait to enjoy what the chef had prepared. Served in a buffet style, eggs, sweet potatoes, grits, a variety of vegetables, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and hot rolls were among the long list of items available.
   “The food is delicious. It has such a unique taste that you couldn’t get anywhere else,” said freshman Drew Jadick. “I just want to keep going back up for more.”
   Following the meal, everyone was treated to a lively Gospel singing performance by Miss Helen and her band, which performed traditional church songs that many students could recognize. She called those in the crowd to the stage to clap to the beat and sing along.
   “My favorite part of the trip was the singing by Miss Helen. I’m a huge Gospel fan and I know and love all of the songs she sang,” said Tiffany Carty, a 2009 graduate of MU. “Singing is the comfort of family.”
   After the Cotton Club, the group pounded the pavement, led by tour guides who had grown up in Harlem.  Block by block, the guides shared Harlem’s historic beginnings and explained how it changed over time and continues today—during what they call its “second renaissance.”
  The guides emphasized that Harlem has the lowest crime rates of any of New York City’s five boroughs.  They said people with higher incomes have restored many of the neighborhoods’ historic buildings, and many residents are aided by social service programs that treat addiction, Harlem has been turning for the better since the 1970s.
   “It brought back memories of the era and of my own participation in the history of it,” said Dr. Jim Ladelle, a professor of religious studies at MU. “I enjoyed the trip immensely. From the sights of it, the renaissance is continuing. It [Harlem] was vibrant and alive.”
 Erica Acosta, Multicultural Student Outreach Coordinator, said the goal of the trip was for people to understand this history at a deep level.  “The purpose of the trip was that I wanted the students and others to see where the Harlem Renaissance took place. The best way to get the message across is to experience it in person,” said Acosta.
   The trip cost $25 for students, which covered the round trip, dinner and show at the Cotton Club and a walking tour.
   “It is such a great deal,” said freshman Tom Komor. “When I heard about it I couldn’t believe it. Being a college kid, I don’t have too much money for things, but this was definitely something everybody could afford. I hope we go back sometime.”

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