Honoring Women of Distinction

Great Ladies of Harlem

As we move on from Women’s History Month, we highlight the figures we honored at Christian Parish for Spiritual Renewal on 03/31/24. William “Bill” Adams, had the idea and insight to honor four women who have been strong pillars in our community for almost 70 years and to do it, so everyone can appreciate them before they have to learn of their achievements and sacrifices in their obituaries. Harlem, a beacon of culture and resilience, has been home to countless women whose contributions have woven the rich tapestry of history and progress.

In the spirit of celebration and remembrance, we are thrilled to introduce an article that encapsulates the essence of these remarkable women: "Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. Honors Women of Distinction - Great Ladies of Harlem," penned by the talented journalist Yvonne DeLaney Mitchell.

This piece is more than just a tribute; it's a narrative of strength, a chronicle of the tireless efforts & resilience of the women who stand at the forefront of change. Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. (Stop Another Violent End), an organization dedicated to curbing violence and fostering hope, has taken the initiative and honor to have these women share their stories in their voices.

Join us as we delve into the stories of these great ladies, whose legacies transcend time and continue to inspire new generations. Let's celebrate the power, the grace, and the unwavering spirit of the women who have made Harlem—and the world—a better place.

The Harlem Mothers and Fathers committed to Stop Another Violent End, (S.A.V.E.), celebrated Women’s History Month by recognizing the life and times of four vibrant women of the Harlem community. Coordinated by William “Bill” Adams, the ladies, Carolyn Rowe Ingram, Jackie Rowe Adams, Agnes Cunningham, and Mirian Moses, gathered together on a windy, chilly spring afternoon at the Christian Parish for Spiritual Renewal, where they shared their stories, dedication to the church, love for their community and for one another.

Introducing themselves one by one, Carolyn Rowe Ingram began by saying to God be the glory. She grew up in Harlem, the eldest of nine children, and sister to Jackie. Her first job, like most Harlem youth, was during the summer, working in the local community center. Carolyn tributes her father, pushing her to get a good education as what inspired her to become a teacher. She began teaching African Arts and continued her career at P.S. 111 in District 2, where it became her dream job until she retired after 32 years. A mother of two, with five grandchildren, she is proud to say her husband was a Fisk Jubilee Singer, an attendee of Yale Graduate School of Music, and the one who brought music to the church. One of her most memorable moments was teaching her father how to read. He was a Deacon at the church and a quick, fast learner. I used Psalm 14 to give him lessons because as Deacon, he had to know how to read. Carolyn now dedicates her time to the children’s scholarship fund. When I see young people striving, working hard, to make the world a better place, and speaking up in a positive way, it makes me smile.

Jackie Rowe Adams is well-known throughout Harlem and New York City as one who wears many hats. Some of her earliest recollections were when she and her 7 siblings were living in a one-room apartment on 123rd Street. When they were able to move around the corner to 122nd Street, into a 7-room apartment, they had become so accustomed to being together that we all continued to sleep together. Jackie credits her summer youth job, as a teenager, where she met Mr. Rose, as the person who set the tone and helped her to find her way in life. Gifted with a voice to sing, she was a “singing barmaid”, at the once famous Shalimar Bar. Jackie was also gifted with a voice to speak out for justice. Following in her mother’s, Hermena Rowe’s footsteps, Jackie became a staunch anti-violence activist, as she says, I always knew I was a leader. Serving as President of the District 5 School Board, and a leadership role within a long list of other civic community organizations, including the Addicts Rehabilitation Center (A.R.C.), it was Jackie’s role at the New York City Parks Department that led her to her dream job, working with Seniors. I was very close to my grandmother, says Jackie, but I never imagined the joy and satisfaction of being a music specialist, enhancing and bringing out the musical talents of Seniors and all they had to give, as they toured and performed whenever and wherever they could. She concludes that working with Seniors has taught me how to be a Senior.

Agnes Cunningham grew up in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, where her family had a tobacco farm. Daddy would let us go to school for the first day. Then we were out for 2 ½ months tending the fields. After the crop was picked, we could go back to school, she recalled. Upon receiving her high school report card Agnes headed straight to New York City. The year was 1955 and she has been here ever since. Agnes’ first career was staying home, taking care of the babies, and her husband. That was until the children were grown, and she then took a position at Harlem Hospital that was supposed to last for 2 years but she ended up staying for 13. I’ll never forget the party they gave me when I retired. Agnes’ next job was devoting her time to the church, where she found joy in ushering on Sundays and singing in the choir, where Carolyn’s husband was the choir director. Fondly loved by everyone, Agnes has become known for making several wedding gowns for the brides-to-be and admits she doesn’t mind smiling all the time, especially with her good friend Marian.

Marian Moses, born and raised in Kinston, North Carolina made her way to New York City, where she worked in housekeeping, sewing, as a dietician at Mt Sinai Hospital to where her father-in-law taught her to be a short-order cook before she was finally able to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. Maybe the desire came from when I was a child and my mother gave me a little nurse kit as a toy, or growing up in the Jim Crow South where there weren’t any Nurses for miles around… Becoming a Nurse has always been my lifelong dream job. Having married her high school sweetheart, with one child at home and pregnant with another, Marian didn’t know how she was going to afford Nursing school. But God always makes a way where there is none. A benefactor came along, providing $10/week for transportation, and tuition at Metropolitan Bronx Community College was free so she was able to pursue her studies and graduate. Throughout the years, Marian has volunteered her services and is the noted Historian of the New York Black Nurses Association. Marian joins Agnes in sewing the beautiful gowns for the church ladies, where Alma Chisholm once taught them to walk and talk, along with the colorful quilt that graces the Parish walls.

Together, all the ladies expressed their love for the Christian Parish for Spiritual Renewal calling it a special place for seniors and especially the youth, all of whom have gone to college and find the church to be a special refuge. They praised former Pastor, Eugene Calendar, who held the church together in turbulent times, the men of the church, who play an active role in preserving the history, and present Pastor Ronald E. Sullivan, who teaches everyone, who Jesus is. All have seen the transition in Harlem from the time when Harlem gangsters reigned with a heart and respect, to the corner drugstore where you could get a milkshake to Mr. Layfield’s candy store. Yet, there still remains a home, a community, love, and devotion found in the hearts of the women and within the walls of the church.

Amen.

Interviews conducted and written by Yvonne DeLaney Mitchell