The Harlem Charade by Natasha Tarpley

Author:Natasha Tarpley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

The Abyssinian Baptist Church rose like a sentinel from its prominent perch on 138th Street, looking every bit the majestic Harlem monument that it was. As the first African American Baptist church in New York, Abyssinian had weathered its share of neighborhood changes: battles for territory and civil rights, conflicts among community members, and also, on occasion, reconciliations. It was only fitting that a meeting about Harlem World, a development that could have a significant impact on the neighborhood, be held here, in this historic place.

By the time Alex, Elvin, and Jin arrived, the church was packed, wall to wall, with people coming to state their case and voice their grievances. The air in the church was thick with heat and humidity generated by so many bodies crowded together. The three kids pushed their way through the doors and slid into the last available space along the back wall. Jin scanned the crowd for Halmoni. She caught sight of her grandmother’s frizzy, curly hair in a pew near the front of the church. Then she noticed her grandfather, standing close to where Halmoni was sitting, shaking hands and chatting with their neighbors.

“Uh-oh, double trouble. Both of my grandparents are here,” Jin whispered to Alex, jutting her chin in her grandparents’ direction. “Keep your eye on Halmoni’s hair. If that hair moves, we’re out of here.”

Alex nodded and turned her attention to the front of the room, where Ameenah Hardwick was stepping onto the pulpit. She wore a long black skirt and another gigantic head wrap, this one made of a gauzy white material. She cleared her throat and began to speak, projecting her voice to the back of the room.

“Good evening, brothers and sisters, fellow business owners, and neighbors. My name is Ameenah Hardwick, and I am president of the Alliance of Harlem Business Owners. We are gathered here this evening to discuss a matter of great importance to our community. Councilman Geld Markum has asked for an opportunity to present his ideas for a new development in our neighborhood. Let us be respectful and hear him out. There will be time for questions following his presentation.”

Ameenah Hardwick stepped off the pulpit, and as she passed Markum, she pretended not to see his outstretched hand. People began to shift in their seats and whisper loudly. One couple even booed while Markum and his assistant set up for his presentation.

“Good evening, Harlem!” Markum’s voice boomed through the microphone. “I’m here to talk to you about what I believe is an amazing opportunity for Harlem. I was born and raised in this neighborhood, and I still live here, so I know what we need to make this an even better place than it already is. Imagine all of Harlem’s historic riches on display for the world to see. Places like Colonial Williamsburg and Greenfield Village may showcase important aspects of American history, but they don’t have anything on us! We have Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance, the Apollo Theater, and the Cotton Club.

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