If we don’t support our own - who will?
 
That is the question and notion that has been the driving force behind the Uptown Collective since we began broadcasting on a daily basis in February of 2010. The Uptown Renaissance was already a thing back then, we just gave it the name.
 
Uptown has survived some dark and desperate days but has emerged as a neighborhood reborn and revitalized. Uptown is on an upswing. Uptown did that. The people of Uptown did that. It is that can-do spirit that has inspired our latest offering; The Uptown VS Everybody tee.
 
We are giving our subscribers a first look and a first chance to get your hands on one before it goes public on the site later today. You already know… Spread Love It’s The Uptown Way!
 
Get Yours: http://uptowncollective.com/the-uptown-vs-everybody-tee

On a picture perfect Sunday, August 10th to be exact, the annual Dominican Day Parade drew thousands to sixth avenue for a rousing celebration of Dominican culture, identity and heritage. As usual, the Uptown Collective was there to capture the magic.
 
Check out: The 2014 Dominican Day Parade In Pictures…
 


Later the day, in our neighborhood, a smartphone video captured the near melee that went down on Sherman Ave when police manhandled an alleged drug dealer in broad daylight. The police allege that Francisco Guzman, 23, had been observed taking part in a drug transaction when they approached him. Things quickly escalate from there and the video shows 5 cops taking down the suspect, while several cops punch the young man as he is on the ground face down.
 
Check out: Video: Cops Gone Wild – Police Beat Young Man Uptown

 
Our Time Travel Tuesdays post took us back to an article published in the NY Times on April 16th, 1990 at the height of the crack era. The post written by Ralph Blumenthal takes us into the 34th Precinct at a time when Washington Heights was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. To put things in perspective, in 1989, the 34th led the entire city in homicides. 
 
Check out: Time Travel Tuesdays: Life and Death in the Three-Four Precinct | NY Times
 
 
On a more upbeat note, Jeff Gordinier penned an excellent piece on our beloved Indian Road Café. Indian Road Café is one of those very special, almost hidden, local gems that captivates upon discovery. The talented photographer, Emon Hassan, contributed some really stunning images to the article.
 
Check out: Hungry City: Indian Road Café in Inwood | NY Times

 
Have you been to Burger Heights yet? Well, what are you waiting for? They are dishing out some really outstanding burgers. If the picture above doesn’t convince you, check out the recent article on the eatery by Monica Barnkow for the Manhattan Times.  
 
Check out: Patty by Pallone | Manhattan Times

 
Our #TBT Video post featured a cool video from the good folks at Creative Control that featured our hood in their N.Y.E.B.N. series back in February of 2011. The series looks at Latino communities throughout New York City.
 
Check out: #TBT Video: N.Y.E.B.N. – Washington Heights

 
Gothamist published an excellent piece by Danielle Oteri on the unbelievable story of Eliza Jumel, who was once America’s richest woman and is now believed to haunt the Morris Jumel Mansion.
 
Check out: The Incredible Story Of Eliza Jumel | Gothamist

 
James C. McKinley Jr. penned a gripping article on one woman’s 25-year quest to bring her father’s murderer to justice. Joselyn Martinez was only 9-years-old when her father was murdered Uptown and his killer fled to the Dominican Republic. Somehow through sheer will and determination, Ms. Martinez was able to track down the murderer and provided the authorities the evidence to have him arrested.
 
Check out: At Unusual Hearing, Daughter Recounts 25-Year Quest to Catch Father’s Killer | NY Times

 
Our Monday Mood Music featured the NuBachata of the incredible Irka Mateo.
 
Check out: Monday Mood Music: Irka Mateo – Vamo a Goza

 
Uptown Hip-Hop heads rejoice, the next Hit Em Hard Showcase goes down on Thursday, August 28th and features lyricist Joell Ortiz with Charlie Cruz, The Machine and Skematics also on the bill.
 
Check out: 8/28/14: Hit Em Hard Showcase Ft. Joell Ortiz @ Arka Lounge

 
We also featured the latest video from Charlie Cruz, Wasn’t All Good, directed by L-Burnz.
 
Check out: Uptown Video: Charlie Cruz – Wasn’t All Good

 
Lastly, we leave you with this awesome picture of El Cid at the Hispanic Society of America by Nicholas Senn.
 
Check out: The Uptown Tweet of the Week
 
Keep checking us out at www.uptowncollective.com. 

We invite you to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, or e-mail us at
UptownCollective@gmail.com.

As always, check us out at www.uptowncollective.com. 

WHIN & Spread Love

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.