From MaNdlovu with Love – New York

The world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir performing on Christmas Eve. If you’ve ever watched a Tyler Perry film, you’ll notice how vibrant and emotionally powerful the church scenes are. One I often think about is the moment the song “Father Can You Hear Me” is performed during a church service inDiary of a Mad Black Woman.

It remains one of the most poignant moments in the film. I was reminded of it and overwhelmed with emotion on December 24 while sitting in Mt Olivet Baptist Church on Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem. One I often think about is the moment the song “Father Can You Hear Me” is performed during a church service in .

Every “Black church” fantasy I’d ever had came to life that moment as I watched the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir perform during a holiday celebration. The choir, which has existed for over twenty years, performs contemporary gospel music with elements of jazz and blues. Their energetic, angelic voices are deeply rooted in African-American history.

[paywall]

Although I had already been in New York for a few days, it was in that beautiful church, surrounded by people from different parts of the world brought together by music, that I truly felt I was in the city—and I couldn’t believe it. At that moment, I was content. Dreams I hadn’t even spoken aloud were realised.

Arriving in New York City, however, I carried more than just wonder. Watching as much television as I do, combined with the many articles I read beforehand, made it difficult not to have expectations. As a female solo traveller, one of the things I always consider is how safe I will feel in the place I’m visiting.

I blame myself for all the episodes ofCSI: NYI watched, because my first day in the city was an anxious one. I expected to witness a crime or become a victim of one. I stood on subway platforms wide-eyed, waiting for something dangerous to happen.

I wore my cross-body bag under my winter coat just in case someone tried to grab it, and, of course, I walked briskly down the streets, looking everyone in the eye in case I’d have to “identify” them later. I laugh at myself now because, although caution is wise, I unnecessarily made that first day tense. In fact, all the areas I visited felt safe.

I was pleasantly surprised by the visible police presence on the streets, in subway stations, and in busy tourist spots. Officers were on foot and patrolling in patrol cars. At one point, I saw about thirty officers stationed in one place, but it was New Year’s Eve, so it made sense.

If there was one thing my research got completely right, it was the cold. I always tell people how much I dislike summer and prefer colder weather. I usually “chase winter” rather than sunshine, but the New York chill still took me by surprise.

I thought I was adequately prepared with thermal underwear, spencers and stockings, as well as thick socks and waterproof shoes (essential when snow melts and turns into puddles along the pavements). Despite all that preparation, the winter air cut straight through me.

[/paywall]