Remembering Cicely Tyson (1924-2021)
Cicely Tyson, the beloved daughter of East Harlem, passed away in January at the age of 96. She was an American icon and award-winning actor who became a model for portraying strong Black women in her seven decades on the screen and stage. She was also an East Harlem native who took great pride in the neighborhood that helped raise her.
A lifelong friend of Tyson, Rev. Al Sharpton remembers her Harlem pride: “She would not let you talk about Harlem in a negative (sic). She did not leave Harlem to go mainstream. She made mainstream come and celebrate Harlem … and her grace and her presence spoke for itself.”
Ascendant Neighborhood Development, the fiscal manager and coalition member of Landmark East Harlem, is proud to own her childhood home at 178 East 101st Street, offering East Harlem ten affordable apartments within the 110 year old structure.
LEH is currently working with local officials and community members to co-name East 101 Street from Lexington to Third Ave as Cicely Tyson Way and to officially landmark the building with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Committee. We are thrilled at the opportunity to celebrate her life and passion for East Harlem.
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