We Invite you to enjoy rare excerpts from our digitalized Vintage Recordings from the ground-breaking radio show "ArtBeat of Harlem" (originally broadcast from WHCR 90.3 FM Harlem Community Radio from 1990 - 1998). "ArtBeat...) was produced and hosted by Nikki Williams.
"ArtBeat of Harlem" Copyright 1990 - 1998 Digital Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved
Please note that no part of parts of "ArtBeat of Harlem" can be duplicated or reproduced in any way electronic or otherwise without written consent and/or permission from the Producer, Nikki Williams.
ABOUT "ARTBEAT OF HARLEM" 1990 - 1998
Thirty-six years ago, on WHCR Harlem Community Radio. 90.3 fm, "ArtBeat of Harlem" was broadcast over the airwaves in Harlem from the NAC Building (the North Academic Center) located at City College on 135th Street and Convent Avenue in Harlem. The show was the first ongoing, live, weekly, Arts radio show broadcasted from Harlem that was produced and created by a Black Woman! The pioneering radio show featured Trail Blazers, Path Pavers, Movers and Shakers, Artists and Innovators of Color - many of the illustrious guests interviewed on the show are now with the Ancestors.
"ArtBeat of Harlem" produced and hosted live on air radio plays, poetry readings, in-house Jazz Performances, interviews, theatrical excerpts, interviews and commentaries that celebrated the achievements and accomplishments of Artists and Cultural Institutions of Color. The show also kept the audience informed of Cultural Events taking place in New York. Many of our guests enjoyed their first opportunity to be interviewed on the radio - what a Blessing for the producer of the show to be able share this Blessing with the listening audience!
Early recorded interviews with founders and/or members of prominent trail blazing institutions such as Jazz Mobile, the Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center, the Studio Museum of Harlem, Aaron Davis Hall, the Frank Silvera's Writers Workshop, the National Black Theater, Black Women in Publishing, Our Own Bookfair, and Savacou Art Gallery, The American Theater in Harlem (under the direction of the late, great Director, Actor and Instructor, Mr. Hal DeWindt), The Afrikan Poetry Theatre, and The Langston Hughes Library and Cultural Center, just to name a few, were interviewed on "ArtBeat of Harlem." Prominent Jazz Legends such as Brother Khaliq Al-Rouf, Brother Naazir Person, Brother Bobby Watson, Brother Bill Saxton, and Brother Tyrone Jefferson, along with many other Gifted Jazz Musicians have Graced our studio and Blessed our mics.
We are proud that The Chocolate Scoop is serving as the digital platform to celebrate the history and importance of "ArtBeat of Harlem's" innovative contribution to Art and Culture, when it was created thirty-six years ago. We are also sharing our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Professor Linda Prout, then General Manager of WHCR 90.3 fm. Professor Prout's Vision and Courage allowed us to join the ranks of other Black Women Pioneers by giving us the wonderful opportunity to showcase the brilliant talents of the Artistic Creative Community over the airwaves. Professor Prout, know that we will always be grateful for your kind, sincere, and thoughtful leadership. We also give much thanks and Love to Ms. Josefina Baez, the first Afro-Latina, to produce and host an ongoing radio program broadcast from Harlem, "LatinArte." Thank you Beloved Josefina for your continued Sisterhood, unwavering Support, Love, and Friendship. Keep on Keepin' On, my Beloved Sistahfriend!
It is our sincere hope that you not only enjoy excerpts from these early broadcast but that the words and lives of our guests inspire you to follow your Dreams and encourage you to continue on your Purposed Path. At the time of the interviews, there was no thought to the historical impact that the guests on the shows would have. There certainly was no thought that many of the guests would pass on in a matter of years. We Thank God for their extraordinary existence,
We Thank God for Continuing Grace. May you Beloved and dear listener, be Blessed beyond Measure. And may you remember to be a Light and Blessing to others. At some point in our lives, we have all stood in the Need of Prayer. Ashe and Amen!
As always, I am Sharing Love & Light,
Nikki Williams
Producer, The Chocolate Scoop Producer ArtBeat of Harlem
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US: thechocolatescoop@myyahoo.com