– Late Harlem Congressman Charles B. Rangel
By Regi Taylor, Creative-In-Residence, Harlem Tourism Board
I’ll always remember the late Charlie Rangel as the first elected New York City official to warmly embrace the concept currently proposed as an outdoor Harlem commemorative monument, Birthplace of the Big Apple, now in formulation at the Harlem Tourism Board. New York City Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Nydia Velasquez have also praised the effort.
As I honored him with a sculpture replica pin at a private Capitol Hill reception, Congressman Rangel said: “Regi, not since the Peace Sign has there been a symbol that captures the spirit of harmony and diversity…I only hope every American will embrace the ideals…kudos!” Coming from a lifelong champion for civil liberties it was an honor to receive Charlie Rangels’ endorsement. Kudos to him.
Contributors of $500 or more to the proposed Birthplace of the Big Apple commemorative sculpture planned for Central Harlem will receive a pendant similar to the one bestowed to Congressman Rangel, in sterling silver, and have their name(s) permanently displayed at the site. Patrons pledging between $100 and $499 may choose any Harlem t-shirt from our keepsake collection as a thank you. However, donations of any amount are accepted and appreciated.
The magnificent 26-foot-tall by 18-foot-wide outdoor public artwork that rotates 360 degrees every 24 hours, similar to a clock hand, will honor Harlem as the place where New York City’s iconic Big Apple nickname originated from organic slang more than a century ago.
Permanently connect your name to history while celebrating a powerful example of African American heritage. The Birthplace of the Big Apple monument is a heart-shaped apple composed of fourteen six-foot-tall multi-flesh-colored figurines, symbolizing inclusive diversity, depicts the composite smiling face of every New Yorker, in profile, and phonetically reads, EYE LUV THE BIG APPLE. The sculpture will commemorate the contributions of Cab Calloway and Gwen Barrett, Harlemites who made The Big Apple quintessential.
Calloway, former Master of Ceremonies at the famous Cotton Club, is credited with introducing the world to the Big Apple nickname by being the first to define the term in print in a best-selling slang glossary titled Hepster’s Dictionary that sold more than 2 million copies internationally, popularizing the phrase globally in 1938.
Less than 35 years later, in the early 1970’s, a girl who grew up in Harlem, Gwen Barrett, would develop a promotional campaign for her employers at WNEW-TV Channel 5 in Manhattan that has become the most successful destination marketing operation in history based on the Big Apple, which she borrowed from her music producer uncle and his famous jazz musician friends, like Dizzy Gillespie. Gwen would go on to break ground by becoming a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer and vice president.
Black History does not only happen in February; be a part of it today by supporting this effort. Make your personal contribution to history by donating to Birthplace of the Big Apple now. Supporters who donate $500 or more before July 1, 2025, will have their individual, family, or group’s name prominently displayed at the monument site in perpetuity. Visit http://spot.fund/HarlemBirthplaceOfBigApple . Thank you.
