
The horrible news broke recently that former NY Daily News reporter Michael Feeney had passed from complications from a staph infection in his kidneys. Only 32 years old, Michael was on the cusp of starting his dream job as an entertainment reporter for CNN.com when he became ill. Michael was a kind-hearted human being and a brilliant journalist who was devoted to his craft and ensuring that under-reported stories were told. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. Did you know that our very own Word Up Books has produced a bilingual children’s book? Home at Word Up: A Story of a Bookshop in Washington Heights is a tale of finding and building community anywhere you live. Our Wellness contributor, Eileen Z. Fuentes, gives us her recipe for her Plant-Heavy Fully Loaded Omelet. Let’s take a trip back in time to Harlem, NYC 1932. Charlie McCann of Intelligent Life magazine penned a great piece on a super cool map that beautifully illustrates the jumping nightlife of Uptown in that era. The artwork is the product of E. Simms Campbell, who “was the first African-American illustrator to have his work published by mass-market magazines.” The Ali Forney Center wants to buy the infamous Harlem Hate Church to house homeless LGBT youth. Jacqueline Raposo of the Village Voice takes us to Red Rooster for a taste of their month long menu that celebrates Black female chefs. Have you noticed that Washington Heights has been extra lit as of late? The reason is that Nouveau Bachata super-group, Aventura, began their month-long residency at the venerable United Palace on February 4th. The good folks at Remezcla have put together a handy-dandy guide to getting your grub, drink and hookah on before and after the show. The only spot we would have added to Remezcla’s list is La Floridita (176th & BWAY) as they make the absolute best Cuban Sandwich in all of Uptown. Did you know that the Harlem home of American treasure Maya Angelou just went on the market? It’s yours for a mere 5 million greenbacks. Big Sister is WATCHING!!! Introducing – C.A.R.I.N.A – the omniscient drone that keeps wayward boyfriends in check. The Friday Fix is the latest video from Skematics featuring Saigon, 4 Elements. Keep checking us out at www.uptowncollective.com. Led Black Editor-in-Chief The Uptown Collective The UC’s mission is to become “the” definitive, transformative and community-based force impacting the arts, culture, business and New York City’s overall perception of Upper Manhattan. Its objective is to reset, reboot and positively redefine Uptown’s artistic, political, cultural and business spheres via the online space as well the collective’s initiatives and functions.February 1 – February 6