HarlemLIVE

1929 spelt dark days for America. Right after World War I America soon witnessed the collapse of the stock market, and found itself being hurtled into a state of financial depression. By 1932 approximately one out of every four Americans were unemployed. For nine years America seemed to as if stand still, or rather reflect the attributes of a third world country. Thousands went hungry during these trying times, children suffered long term effects from a poor diet and inadequate medical care. One would wonder what hope, if any, lies ahead for this once booming country.
But hope did come however. It didn't come in the form of a dollar and you couldn't eat it, but you could praise it and look up to it. During the Christmas of 1933 a symbol of awe inspiring power was placed in the heart of New York City. In the center of Rockefeller Center stands the image of prosperity, love, peace and long suffering, the 50 foot tall Christmas Tree.

For the past sixty eight years the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been dazzling onlookers with its bright lights and magnificent colors. Not only lighting up the downtown Manhattan streets with millions of mini light bulbs but with also the smiles of thousands of men women and children.

Now, after the September 11th attacks and the recent war, America once again finds itself in need of that bright light to warm our hearts, and fill us with a sense of love and peace. How evident that love was this past Wednesday November 28th, as thousands of people gathered at Rockefeller Center to watch the lighting of the Rockefeller Tree. The streets echoed with the sounds of laughter and joy, not to mention the rich music of Destiny's Child and the soulful hymn's of Kelly Price. But if you were to take part in the joyous festivities, and have the chance to sing along with the artists, you needed to establish a spot that morning.

By 6 PM the streets entering Rockefeller Center were blocked off by Police Barricades, the sidewalks themselves were covered by hundreds of Police Officers. Countless spectators gathered at the barricades, hoping to get a glimpse at the tree, but to much people's dismay they were not allowed in. HarlemLive staff members were no exception, we too had to bite our tongues when forced to stay behind the barricades. But after three hours of anticipation, we along with everyone else were allowed to get a look at the massive tree.

It stood at what appeared to be 100 feet tall. It glowed so bright that it seemed to have been draped in a garment of jewels. It's light flooded the downtown Manhattan streets in a effervescent blaze that seemed to echo warmth and love. This reporter stood and gasped when getting his first glimpse of the tree.

For years I had wondered what all the fuss was about regarding the tree. I now knew. It took no words for me too feel its power and its glory.