Tourists Come To Church For Show, Not God.

The stern warning issued from the pulpit was directed at the tourists – most of whom had arrived late – a sea of white faces with guidebooks in hand. They outnumbered the congregation itself: a handful of elderly black men and women wearing suits and dresses and old-fashioned pillbox hats.

"We're hoping that you will remain in place during the preaching of the Gospel," a church member said over the microphone at this Harlem church on a recent Sunday morning. "But if you have to go, go now. Go before the preacher stands to preach."

No one left then. But halfway through the sermon, a group of French girls made their way toward the velvet ropes that blocked the exit. An usher shook his head firmly, but they ignored him and walked out.

The clash between tourists and congregants plays out every Sunday at Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the oldest black church in New York state. It's one of many Harlem churches that have become tourist attractions for visitors from all over the world who want to listen to soulful gospel music at a black church service. With a record number of tourists descending upon New York City last year, the crowds of foreigners are becoming a source of irritation among faithful churchgoers.


Read More http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/11/harlem-churches-see-a-boo_n_1337577.html?ref=mostpopular

Man Shot Police Officer, Then Got Killed By Other Cops.

An NYPD officer is in stable condition after chasing a suspect through the train station in Harlem today.

Gunfire erupted in the busy Harlem intersection on 145th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue between NYPD officers and a wanted suspect, who was shot and killed.

The detective was shot in the train station at 145th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue on the A, B, C and D lines.

According to hospital officials at Columbia Presbyterian the officer’s condition is being described as stable after a gunshot wound to the left arm.

The detective chased down and shot Michael McBride, 52, a wanted Queens, NY man. 

As reported by NBC New York:

Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Michael McBride, 52, who was wanted in connection with the shooting of a 21-year-old woman Monday in the Rockaways.
The detective, with the violent felony squad, was trying to apprehend McBride on Tuesday in the train station when he was shot.

Read more: http://globalgrind.com/node/826291#ixzz1mOwwsLHe

President show off his soul.

While Republican candidates were duking it out at the South Carolina debate, President Obama was showcasing his vocal abilities at the Apollo Theater

Obama visited the historic Harlem theater Thursday for a fundraiser featuring neo-soul artist India.Arie and Al Green to benefit his re-election campaign. The day began with an appearance at Daniel Restaurant on Manhattan’s upper east side, followed by a $35,800 per-ticket dinner at Spike Lee’s house and ended with a song.

“Don’t worry Rev., I cannot sing like you,” he joked. “But I just wanted to show my appreciation.”

read morehttp://uptownmagazine.com/2012/01/president-obama-sings-al-greens-lets-stay-together-video/