Our Story

Our mission is to celebrate the internationally acclaimed and much loved cultural and creative spirit of Harlem – both a destination and a state of mind. We have presented the best of Harlem’s unparalleled artistic expression – Jazz, Poetry, Literature, and Visual Art.

We are inspired by the “literary expressions” of MANSOUR, my late husband and Co-founder of Harlem Renaissance JAZZ FILM & ART in the PARK (now simply Harlem Renaissance JAZZArt), an award winning cultural festival that has been a part of the world renowned Harlem Week! Harlem JAZZArt promotes the public profile of Greater Harlem’s emerging and established performing and visual artists to engage, enrich and heal intergenerational, local and international audiences.

MAIMOUNA aka Bonita G. LloydNettles one of Harlem’s and New York’s Renaissance women, is the co-founder of Harlem Renaissance Economic Development Corp. (est 1999), an award winning not for profit organization. Her passion to inspire, educate and serve through business and culture.

In her previous life, MAIMOUNA dedicated over 20 years as a management consultant and economic development finance professional to empower the Harlem community through her collaboration with her alma mater Columbia Business where she served as adjunct professor, served as strategic planning consultant for the Executive Education program and trained young people in entrepreneurship.

MAIMOUNA also worked with the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp. Chase Bank, NYC Department of Small Business Service and NYC Business Solutions which served Harlem business as well as in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.

She served over 3000 businesses and trained 300 young people in business and created over 30 million in community wealth by facilitating home ownership opportunities in Harlem.

For her work, MAIMOUNA received two awards from NYC Department of Small Business Services in conjunction with the Office of the Mayor.

“Retired from her previous life” since the passing of her husband MANSOUR, MAIMOUNA now devotes her passion to JAZZArt and Culture with publishing and promoting MANSOUR’S literary expression as the centerpiece of her activities. In addition, she continues to pursue her love of travel to over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe exploring culture and discovering entrepreneurial innovation.

Harold E. Nettles (1948-2011) was a, co-founder of Harlem Renaissance Economic Development Corp. along with Bonita G. LloydNettles.

He was also an urban pioneer, an Air Force veteran and an award-winning art and entertainment entrepreneur. Mansour, as Harold was known, was a visionary with extraordinary insight that he utilized to create the strategic direction for the not for profit that he helped to create. Working alongside Bonita, Harold also utilized this creative genius to help others launch and grow their businesses. He inspired physically and educationally challenged young people to overcome what are perceived to be limitations and encouraged and helped them to pursue their passion through entrepreneurship.