Celebrating diversity, harmony, culture and the arts, "A Taste of Harlem" kicked off in the late morning at Windows Over Harlem on June 20. The event was a celebration of Harlem. The community of Harlem opened its arms to student participants of FUSIA Communications' Cross-Cultural Internship Program (www.fusia.net/ccip), and gave them a glimpse of the variety alive within the history, literature, dance, food and song of Harlem.

Honored guests included W. Majette from the Harlem Chamber of Commerce, NYS Senator Bill Perkins and representatives from the office of Congressman Charles B. Rangel. Student participants from FUSIA Communications Cross-Cultural Internship Program and volunteers from the New York City Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW) were also present.

"A Taste of Harlem" celebrated Harlem's blend of cultures through a splash of music, dance, fashion and food. African fashions were on display, and to the crowd's delight, FUSIA/CCIP students modeled some of the fashions themselves. FUSIA/CCIP interns savored Gospel music from the Greater Refuge Temple Church; a special performance by Lou Myers; and an African drumming and dance piece by the African Cultural Center and Masidi Production. Then poetry came from Malika Mohamed, and the energy of the beat-boxing performance by the Human Orchestra, Kenny Mohamed electrified the room.

Majette paid testament to the neighborhood's evolving community and ethnic landscape. Echoing Majette and the spirit of the event, Senator Perkins celebrated Harlem's diversity that has allowed people "to express themselves in the arts, express themselves in culture, and express themselves as civil rights and political leaders."

"This event summates what CCIP is about: giving students the chance to get close to the culture of a different community and experience its richness," said Elizabeth Kay, President of FUSIA Communications, Inc. "The variety of Harlem is the perfect grounds for an enriching cross-cultural experience. I thank Eva Frazier, Windows Over Harlem and the Harlem community for this special opportunity."

Hong Kong Polytechnic University student Man Kit Cheung summed up the interns' experience with this: "I heard many stories about Harlem before I arrived in New York. The picture in my head was a dangerous slum. Today, changed that image completely. I see a community welcoming so many ethnicities and has so much to offer in return. I truly enjoyed myself because I got to see Harlem as it is and experience the many cultures that live within it."

About CCIP: Administered by FUSIA Communications, Inc., CCIP is an internship program bringing together university participants and host companies from different cultures and preparing them for the new challenges of a globalizing workplace. Emphasizing East-West cultural exchange, it provides students with a hands-on and cross-cultural experience.

About WOH: Looking over the diversity that is New York, Windows Over Harlem is part of the melting pot of the rich cultures in the Harlem community. WOH is a restaurant and catering company specializing in business affairs, luncheons, seminars, conferences, parties and more.