The Harlem Auto Mall, comprised of Chevrolet-Saturn and Cadillac-HUMMER dealerships, opened in March. It is the first time in more than 40 years that consumers can buy vehicles at a franchised auto dealer in Manhattan north of 72nd Street. “The renaissance that Harlem is going through makes it a good business opportunity,” says Scott Mackie, General Motors’ Northeast regional general manager. The dealerships’ principal dealers-Otis Thornton and Craig Lee-are African American and have partial ownership. According to Mackie, the auto mall represent a growth opportunity for both GM and the Harlem community.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has announced that the company’s archives will be donated to the Library of Congress. “We’re thrilled to have the Alvin Ailey archive in our collection alongside other dance luminaries,” says Trish Taylor Shuman, spokeswoman for the Library of Congress. The collection includes more than 10,000 personal essays, photos, and sketches. The entire collection will be digitized so it may be seen via the Internet.
-Kiara Ashanti
Clothing designer Tracy Reese opened a flagship boutique in New York City. The Detroit native’s new store features clothing and home décor characterized by her signature “feminine chic” designs. The labels “Tracy Reese” and “Plenty by Tracy Reese” are also sold nationwide at department stores including Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and Bergdorf Goodman. The Tracy Reese brand had annual revenues of $20 million in 2005.