Wayfinding – 125th Street Business Improvement District

by Roosevelt BlackRose Taylor

My artistic practice is rooted in the belief that Harlem is more than a physical location — it is a spiritual geography of Black memory, creativity, and resilience….I call my visual language Harlem Grace, named in honor of my grandmother Gracie, whose presence taught me that beauty, dignity, and self-worth must be cultivated every day…My work positions art as wayfinding: not just a method of moving through streets, but a way of returning to oneself. In a time when AI can imitate images but not heritage, Harlem Grace protects authenticity by rooting art in lived experience. My intention is to create public work that helps residents and visitors feel grounded in Harlem’s identity.

“All Jazz is Harlem”

“Harlem Swings”

by Misha McGlown

"Harlem Swings" is a fully digital painting and collage that centers on a contemporary young woman surrounded by iconic 125th Street landmarks, including the Apollo and Victoria Theater marquees. These architectural touchstones serve as visual anchors, situating the composition firmly within Harlem while celebrating the neighborhood’s enduring role as a global center for Black creativity, performance, and innovation.

The composition explores the ongoing dialogue between past, present, and future, emphasizing Harlem not as a static historical moment, but as a living, evolving cultural force whose momentum continues to inspire creativity and reinvention.

“New Yitty”

by Powerful Allah

This painting exemplifies Harlem’s graffiti culture as Graffiti has historically beautified New York City and various neighborhoods. I used multiple acrylic paints for its brightness; which is indicative of Harlem’s diversity.

“The Sounds of Harlem”

by Sheila Prevost

The musical richness of the culture inspires the Sounds of Harlem. Even when there isn’t a song or melody, the music is expressed through words, fashion, and the energy of the community. When I was a kid, my parents would take us to Marcus Garvey Park to enjoy the free summer concerts, where we experienced the richness of genres such as Gospel, Jazz, and R&B. The memories of people dancing and enjoying themselves are some of the main things that connect me to its history.

“Wayfinding”

by Sheila Prevost

My work is deeply inspired by the diversity of Harlem and the richness of New York City’s communities. I see art as a shared language—one capable of transforming personal stories into collective experience. I am deeply committed to exploring identity and the intersection of social engagement, and how these components continually inform and shape my creative expression.

Through The 125th Street BID Wayfinding Initiative, I aim to reflect the dynamic exchange and rich contributions of African American culture within Harlem. Harlem stands as both a contemporary cultural hub and a crossroad that connects, inspires, and challenges the fabric of New York City, the nation, and global communities. Through visual art, vibrant color, and rhythm, I seek to echo the enduring pursuit of beauty.

Pedestrian Counts

Harlem Developments

LiveXYZ Map and Data

125th Street Research

The 125th Street BID’s new Wayfinding program is in-progress.
Stay tuned for more info!