Uptown Magazine, Capturing Harlem’s Essence, off to Great Start

At a recent launch party at Nubian Heritage in Harlem, co-founders of Uptown Magazine, Leonard Burnett and Brett Wright were all smiles.

And why shouldn’t they with people like Andre Harrell and Lynn Whitfield there to congratulate and lend support. Brett Wright, the creative director, who helped create the sleek design of the premier issue, saw his dream of creating a magazine that caters to the intelligent, urban professional come to fruition.  “We wanted to create a magazine that represented the new Harlem Renaissance and also play an integral role in that renaissance,â€? he added. 

Myiti Sengstacke, the Editor-in-Chief, seconded that point by adding that the focus of the magazine is to highlight the accomplishments of people in the Harlem community. “We want the whole world to see what’s going on within our community and we would also like to be the vehicle for highlighting them,� she said.

Publisher Burnett, who has been an integral part of groups that launched other magazines such as Vibe and Heart &Soul, is no stranger to finding niche markets. “Let’s face it, Harlem’s style and culture has permeated New York and American culture and it’s time we celebrated this,� Burnett said amidst a plethora of well-wishers.

The magazine was introduced on newsstands across New York City with a bang. The regional glossy launched with a 130- pages, 45 of which composed of premium advertising. The Harlem-based magazine combines culture, fashion and lifestyle of Harlem. The magazine is meant to highlight the cultural and social background of the Harlem community. The premier issue hits the mark with well-written articles featuring people such as Hugh Masekela, the women running the venerable Apollo Theatre, and a touching tribute to Ray Charles, along with 18 pages of fashion coverage.

Perhaps Harriette Cole, the New York Daily News columnist, author and Editorial Director of Uptown, encapsulated it best when she stated that the excitement of Harlem really lies in the fact that it represents the final frontier of New York City. “Harlem represents the potential for anything to happen which is essentially, the American Dream.�

Uptown hopes to capture this dream through its pages. Thus far, it has done a fine job. Farnsworth Bentley graces the cover of the premier quarterly issue.

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