At 305 West End Assisted Living, our recent celebration of the Harlem Renaissance transported residents and guests straight into the cultural heartbeat of 1920s Harlem. This legendary era, known for its groundbreaking artistry, innovation, and cultural revolution, came alive through interactive exhibits, live jazz, and immersive sensory exhibits.
Guests explored the vibrancy of the period with a range of engaging activities. Music and performance highlights included Marie DeRosa’s interactive jazz game, which tested knowledge of the era’s iconic tunes, and the electrifying sounds of David Oswald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, whose dedication to jazz legends brought the music of Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Jelly Roll Morton to life. Cultural showcases featured curated galleries of art, literature, fashion, and the energetic nightlife that defined Harlem’s golden age.
Residents also enjoyed the Renaissance Room Lecture with historian Nathan See and immersive sensory stations. They typed poetry on vintage typewriters, samples sweet potato pie and jazz-age mocktails, and experienced the sights, sounds, and textures of 1920s speakeasies and libraries.
André, the Director of Community Relations, shared, “305 West End Assisted Living came alive with the sights, sounds, and spirit of the Harlem Renaissance! Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this incredibly era of artistry, innovation, and joy!”
From live performances to hands-on cultural experiences, the Harlem Renaissance event reminded us all of the enduring power of creativity, community, and joy, values we cherish every day in our community.
View photos from the event below, which capture residents deeply engaged with the exhibits and one another, sampling unique culinary creations, and sharing memories and reflections in the spirit of discovery.
At 305 West End, we create experiences that spark imagination, inspire connection, and celebrate the spirit of creativity. Our Harlem Renaissance exploration was a tribute not just to the artistic brilliance and cultural innovation of 1920s Harlem, but to the enduring joy, curiosity, and vibrancy of our community today.
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