HarlemLIVE was so fortunate to have Miss Evelyn Cunningham as a mentor, advisor, board member and great friend. She inspired our students and told us wonderful stories of her work as a pioneering black woman in journalism. At her memorial on Tuesday May 4th, 2010 at St Phillips Episcopal Church in Harlem, Evelyn was honored by Mayor David Dinkins, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and by Reverend Al Sharpton.

Evelyn Cunningham opened doors for Harlemlive. Without her representation, we would not have been able to bring this organization to where it is today.  At her memorial service, Evelyn was remembered as having an indominable spirit, a good sense of people, and would always say what was right to whomever needed to hear it.

Evelyn made you feel more alive and vibrant. She never understood boredom. She had a zest for life and knowledge that was infectious. She was a beautiful woman. We will miss her dearly.

We were humbled and honored to be mentioned so prominently in the program at her funeral services, and will always pay tribute to her memory while working to further her life-long achievements in any way that we can.