Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion in honor of the
28th anniversary of Harlem Week, a month-long celebration that takes place from August 1st to the 28th. This year's theme is "A New York State of Mind", a tribute to the culture, history, arts, religion, education and politics of Harlem. Among those attending the reception were Deputy Mayor for Policy Dennis Walcott and President/CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Lloyd Williams.

"This celebration is a tribute to the heritage and spirit of the Harlem community," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Harlem's renaissance is representative of the resilience and strength of New Yorkers and these award recipients demonstrate the extraordinary contributions they have made to our City."

The reception kicked-off the month-long festivities, which includes the Harlem Jazz and Music Festival (HJ&MF), established by the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and runs from August 16th to the 24th. The Harlem Jazz and Music Festival will include concerts, comedy nights, poetic orations, and walking tours among many of the events.

The presentation of Harlem Week/Harlem Jazz and Music Festival 2002 Awards and the National Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame 2002 Inductees also took place at the reception and were as follows:

Outstanding Contributions in Sports : Sandy Saddler, Boxer (posthumously)
Accepting: Sandy Saddler, Jr. & Nate "Tiny" Archibald, Community Relations Ambassador, NBA

Outstanding Contributions in Sports : Wendy Hilliard, US Olympic Gymnast (1978-1988)

Outstanding Broadcast Achievement Award : Al Roker, Meteorologist, The "Today Show"
Accepting: Janice Huff, WNBC-TV Meteorologist & Dennis D. Swanson, President and General Manager, WNBC-TV

Outstanding Contributions in Entertainment : Billie Holiday, Entertainer (posthumously)
Accepting: Gloria Lynne, Jazz Great & Chuck Jackson, R&B Hall of Fame Member

Scholarships were also presented to students from local high schools for academic excellence. Chuck Jackson, world-renowned R&B artist and the musical cast of "A Harlem Song" from the Apollo Theatre performed at the reception.