Lenox Avenue facts for kids
Row houses on Lenox Avenue between 122nd and 123rd Streets are part of the Mount Morris Park Historic District
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| Other name(s) | Malcolm X Boulevard |
|---|---|
| Former name(s) | Sixth Avenue |
| Part of | Sixth Avenue |
| Owner | City of New York |
| Maintained by | NYCDOT |
| Length | 1.9 mi (3.1 km) |
| Location | Manhattan, New York City |
| South end | Central Park North / East Drive in Harlem |
| Major junctions |
145th Street Bridge in Harlem |
| North end | 147th Street in Harlem |
| East | Fifth Avenue |
| West | Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard |
| Construction | |
| Commissioned | March 1811 |
Lenox Avenue is a very important street in Harlem, a neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City. It is also officially known as Malcolm X Boulevard. This street runs north to south from Central Park North to 147th Street.
The famous poet Langston Hughes once called its traffic "Harlem's heartbeat." The New York City Subway's 2 and 3 train line runs right underneath the entire street. A part of Lenox Avenue, from 119th to 123rd Street, is even a special historic area. It was named the Mount Morris Park Historic District in 1971.
Contents
History of Lenox Avenue
How the Street Got Its Name
Lenox Avenue was originally part of Sixth Avenue. In late 1887, it was renamed to honor James Lenox. He was a kind person who gave a lot of money to good causes.
In 1987, the street received a second official name: Malcolm X Boulevard. This was done to remember Malcolm X, a very important leader in the civil rights movement. He worked hard for equal rights for African Americans.
The Harlem Renaissance and Jazz
Lenox Avenue was the center of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s. This was a special time when African American art, music, and literature became very popular. People from different backgrounds, including African Americans, Latinos, and people from the Caribbean, came together here. They shared common interests like jazz music and food.
Harlem became known as the world capital of jazz music. Many famous jazz clubs were on Lenox Avenue. Imagine walking down the street and finding 15 great clubs on just one block! Famous musicians like Duke Ellington and James P. Johnson would often visit these clubs. Many people believe Lenox Avenue is one of the most important streets for African American culture in the world.
Famous Places on Lenox Avenue
Many famous places have been on Lenox Avenue. The Savoy Ballroom was a very popular dance hall. It was located between 140th and 141st Streets.
Other well-known spots include Sylvia's Restaurant, a famous soul food restaurant. It is located between 126th and 127th Streets. The Lenox Lounge was another historic jazz club, found between 124th and 125th Streets.
Gallery
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Mosque No. 7 at 116th Street
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The Ebenezer Gospel Tabernacle at 121st Street, which used to be the Lenox Avenue Unitarian Church (built in 1889)
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Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 123rd Street, which was once the Second Collegiate Church of Harlem (built in 1887)
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Harlem Hospital at 135th Street
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The Savoy West building at 138th Street
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A rainbow over Malcolm X Boulevard, looking north from Central Park North
See also
In Spanish: Malcolm X Boulevard (Harlem) para niños
