As of 2022, there are often as many as 10 children for each available childcare slot in Harlem (Source: NYS Division of Childcare Services).
The Red Balloon Early Childhood Learning Center has operated in West Harlem since 1972 and primarily serves working Columbia University affiliates by by providing
low-cost childcare,
special education accommodations, and an ethnically and economically
diverse community of families that reside in the West Harlem and Morningside Heights neighborhoods. However,
Red Balloon now faces closure because of its lease being terminated by Columbia University, which will leave parents and children without local, affordable, and inclusive childcare.
The Columbus-Amsterdam BID condemns this closure of a vital neighborhood resource and supports the Red Balloon parent board's efforts to fight this decision. We are inviting local musicians from the West Harlem neighborhood and the Columbia University community to join us in collecting donations for Red Balloon at our Open Streets event starting at noon on Sunday, May 7. The event will alternate between performances by a local headlining band (TBD) and open time slots for local musicians (YOU!) to participate in an Open Mic showcase. In between sets, the stage may be used be speakers to talk about Red Balloon. The event will occur between 108th and 109th st on Amsterdam.
Please fill out this form to indicate your interest in performing at the Open Mic. Keep an eye on your inbox after submitting as we will send out available time slots closer to the day of the event. Time slots will be claimed on a first-come-first-served basis.
EDIT 4/30: This event has been rescheduled due to rain and will occur on Sunday, May 7th.
