As I go down and the handlebars, pedals, and my hands and arms scrape across the pavement, I hear what sounds like a hundred kids yell, "OOOOOOOOHHH, SHIT!!!" One of those times you wish you could just disappear. An elderly lady asks, "Are you OK, sweetie?" I pick myself and my bike up and try to ride away as quick as I can with crooked handlebars and my arms and legs a mess.

I take pictures in Harlem. I’ve lived here for over half my life and I love this neighborhood and its history. I ride bikes as much as I possibly can and I take my camera everywhere. Doing a photo series on Harlem wasn’t really an idea, it just kind of happened. 

There was Laura who told me stories about the old Renaissance Ballroom and Casino on 137th and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd and how much fun it was to go there in the old days. She also reminisced about getting dressed up and going to places like the Savoy Ballroom where Cab Calloway, Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald performed. Hearing the stories from the people who were actually there is pretty amazing. Unfortunately most of these places are long gone and the people who helped them flourish will be gone soon too. There are a few places that still stand like The Apollo Theater and Minton’s Playhouse. I was lucky enough to see James Brown in the 90’s at the Apollo and to shoot pictures at a show at Minton’s this summer. Minton’s is cited as THE birthplace of Bebop and modern Jazz with giants like Charlie Parker, Charlie Christian, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Charles Mingus among those who played on that stage. The original mural that was painted in the 1940’s is still on the wall behind the stage.

One of my other new friends is Claudio the Barber on 116th st. He’s been at this same location since 1949. He’s a true holdout of the old school Italian neighborhood that East Harlem once was. His shop has three beautiful, ancient, light green barber chairs. His favorite is the middle chair. The other two were for his business partners who have both passed away more than 30 years ago. The haircuts are still only $10 and he has an amazing wealth of knowledge and love for the neighborhood. Unfortunately his new landlord just tripled his rent and wants him to vacate the place he’s been at for more than 60 years. “I’m 82 years old, I feel good and I’m still a good barber.” Go there for a great haircut, great stories and some Harlem history. Just don’t bring up his landlord unless you want to unleash a wrath of curses that would rival a ship full of pissed off sailors.

I was also lucky enough to meet a gentleman who said he was in the original cast of the Broadway play Hair in the 1960’s, and he sang two songs for us right there on the sidewalk on 125th St. He had a beautiful voice. An older lady came up to us when I was talking to him and asked me, “Do you know who you’re talking to? This man was on Broadway and he’s one of the best singers in New York.” Pretty awesome.

I’ve met a few people who said they knew Malcom X in the days when he was here in Harlem. Every time I ride past the Audubon Ballroom I get the chills thinking about him being assassinated there in 1965. Riding around on these streets, it’s hard not to think about the early 60’s when he was such an important and influential figure here.

There have also been some funny and not so great parts of taking pictures and riding around in Harlem. Like getting screamed at and cursed out by guys I’m not even taking pictures of, or getting chased by crack heads and drug dealers. This happens more often than I’d hope. Maybe some people think I’m a cop. There’s been more than one time where I had to talk my way out of getting robbed or my ass kicked. There was one fine occasion where I was taking pictures of a bodega and realized it was a drug spot and I was there with a big ass camera and probably looked like a DEA agent. I guess that explains the weird looks I got from the people coming out of there. Lucky so far, I guess. 

I’ve also gotten some ridiculous violations like a lot of people who ride bikes in this city lately. I got one for sitting on my bike on the sidewalk. I’ve been pushed off the road and screamed at by bus drivers and cab drivers but it’s definitely nothing compared to what bike messengers go through. I ride out in all weather all year round so I’ve crashed a bunch of times but I wouldn’t change that for anything. It’s surprising how many of these older dudes used to ride fixed. They love to talk about bikes as much as I do.

I never had any idea how fulfilling and rewarding it would be to explore this neighborhood and its history. Most of all it’s forced me out of my shell and I really cherish talking to and learning from most of the people I meet. There are some really amazing people in Harlem and I feel blessed for the people I have been lucky enough to meet so far.

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Deaf Sparrow Zine would like to thank Curran Reynolds for his continued support.