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Harlem & The Rise Of Gospel Music Walking Tour

5 (6)
New York, US
5 (6)
New York, US
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Explore the vibrant history of Harlem and the rise of Gospel music on this captivating walking tour. Led by a licensed tour guide who is a native speaker of French or English, this tour takes you to 9 landmark sites, including the first Black Episcopal, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Baptist churches. Discover the rich history of these churches and their role in the anti-slavery and civil rights movements. Dive into the captivating journey of Gospel music, from its roots in African American music to the powerful Gospel Blues of today. The tour culminates with a visit to a real church service, where you can listen to a live Gospel choir. Immerse yourself in the passion and soul of this vibrant musical genre. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience. Book your tour now and let the uplifting sounds of Gospel music touch your soul.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Not Included
  • 3 hours - 4 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience & Audio Guided
  • Visit 9 landmark sites with rich history
  • Learn about the role of Gospel music in the Black church
  • Listen to a live Gospel choir during a church service
  • Experience an authentic Sunday morning worship service
  • Visit the iconic Apollo Theater
  • A Licensed New York city born Tour Guide with a portable video and audio system.
  • Hotel Pick Up

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More about this experience

Introduction

The Harlem & The Rise Of Gospel Music Walking Tour offers an immersive and enlightening experience that takes you on a journey through the rich history of Harlem's vibrant black churches and their significant role in the anti-slavery and civil rights movements. Led by experienced and licensed tour guides who are native speakers in both French and English, this tour promises to provide a deep understanding of the cultural and musical heritage of the black church community.

What to expect?

Expect to delve into the fascinating history of Harlem by visiting 9 landmark sites, including the first Black Episcopal, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Baptist churches. Discover the stories of these historic churches, their influential leaders, and their pivotal role in the fight against slavery and the struggle for civil rights. Immerse yourself in the enchanting rhythms of Gospel music and explore its evolution from the ring shout and Spirituals to the Gospel Blues that reverberate through churches today. The tour culminates with a visit to a live Gospel choir performance during an authentic church service, providing a soul-stirring experience that resonates with the power of faith and music.

Who is this for?

This tour welcomes all those seeking an in-depth understanding of Harlem's rich cultural heritage, the history of Gospel music, and the significant contributions of black churches in shaping American society. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a music lover, or simply curious about the African-American experience, this tour is designed for anyone who appreciates the power of music, spirituality, and the fight for social justice. It is an inclusive experience that offers a unique perspective on Harlem's vibrant community.

Why book this?

Embark on this captivating tour to immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Harlem, where the evolution of Gospel music unfolds amidst the historic black churches. Witness the power of faith, music, and community as you listen to captivating stories of the churches, their leaders, and their pivotal role in the struggle for equality. Engage with a vibrant Gospel choir during an authentic church service, where the energy and uplifting melodies will touch your soul. This experience is not just a tour but a transformative journey that allows you to connect with the rich heritage of Harlem while celebrating the indomitable spirit of the black church community.

Good to know

During this 180 to 240-minute tour, you will meet your knowledgeable guides, Sylvie or Donald, in front of the Harlem Hospital. They will share the history of each landmark site, providing valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of the black church community. Make sure to arrive at the meeting point by taking the #2 or #3 train to 135th Street stop. Please note that the tour ends at the Bethel Gospel Assembly Church, where you can expect an authentic Sunday morning worship service. Feel free to stay for the entire service to fully immerse yourself in the Gospel music experience.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Abyssinian Baptist Church

Our license tour guide will share with you the history of this church. Founded in 1808, Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the oldest African-American Baptist churches in the United States. Housed in a landmark Gothic- and Tudor-style building in Harlem, Abyssinian embraces a rich history of worship, spiritual leadership, social activism and community service.

Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Our licensed tour guide will share with you the history of this church. "The Freedom Church" was formed in 1796 by African-American members of the predominantly white John Street Methodist Church. Although that church was abolitionist in its orientation, racial segregation was still enforced in other ways. As one A.M.E. Zion historian described it: The colored members were not permitted to come to the sacrament (Holy Communion) until all the white members, even children, had communedhe first church foundation stone was laid in 1819, and the first rector, serving from 1826 to 1840, was the Rev. Peter Williams, Jr., a leading abolitionist and the first African-American Episcopal priest in New York. He was one of three blacks who served on the first executive committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society

St Philip's Church

Our licensed tour guide will share with you the rich history of this landmark. This was W.E.B. Dubois and Thurgood Marshall's church. Rev. Peter Williams, Jr., a leading abolitionist and the first African-American Episcopal priest in New York. He was one of three blacks who served on the first executive committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society

Bethel Gospel Assembly

Our licensed tour guide makes reservations to secure our visitors seats. We will end the tour here. Experience an authentic Sunday morning worship service. This congregation and its members are warm and well coming. The choir gospel and the band are excellent. Very often they are special musical services with gospel music celebrities such as Israel Houghton, Tasha Cobbs, Hezekiah Walker, Johnathan Nelson among others... We do recommend that you stay throughout the whole service, however we do understand if you have to leave.

Apollo Theater

The iconic, world famous theater where countless musicians, comedians have performed.

Admission Not Included

Reviews

(6)

5 (6)

Fearless364941

Really enjoyed the tour. Tour guides made the history of gospel music come alive. Church service was memorable. Church members were so welcoming. Pastor had a good message. Thanks!

123macieks

Taking a tour about gospel music with a singer was a real treat. Kaissa gave us a fantastic story about the Black music, focusing on Harlem and the gospel. Worth every penny, we felt enriched.

baharb885

Daakai Tour is so knowledgeable and feels so natural to go around with them. I think they are different from other tours because they are the combination of artist and historian. They are so lovely and sweet that gave me and my friends a comfortable feeling with providing good tips for food, music, and anything we spontaneously needed on our way. I highly recommend them!!! Thank you Daakai Tour for the amazing time!

Cecfog

The visit to Harlem would not have had the same flavor without our exceptional guide Kaissa! Imbued with music, stories and an exceptional voice, this morning was a moving and instructive joy. Kaissa transmits a culture in an emotional and empathetic way and that makes it all the more interesting. I recommend 150%

Sunshine07501241778

Kaïssa was our tour guide. She told the story of gospel music in a very exciting way and sang songs now and then. What an incredible voice! Fantastic! The service was like in a film, but you should be aware that 90% of the participants are tourists.

Elodie_C

Tout était super. De la visite dans Harlem, avec des explications et des anecdotes de notre superbe guide Kaïssa, au service religieux, avec des chants gospel. Sans être accompagnés, nous serions passés à côté de plein de découvertes très intéressantes sur la culture afro-americaine et l'histoire du gospel. Notre guide, nous a même fait l'honneur de pousser la chansonnette. Nous avons été ravis par cette matinée en sa compagnie, sans parler du clou du spectacle avec ce prêche mémorable !
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-17 18:32