Pastrami a go-go and Other Rye Tales of the City

Pastrami a go-go - A Conversation with Author Eric K. Washington

Pastrami a go-go and other rye tales of the city welcomes author Eric K. Washington, historian and author, and his first book. In this engaging conversation, host Arlene Schulman talks to the author of the absorbing 'James H. Williams: Boss of the Grips' about the newly discovered history of the man who served as boss of the Red Caps and played a pivotal role in the history of New York City. Williams organized a workforce of black men, most based in Harlem, into an essential labor force in New York City's Grand Central Station. Washington reveals that despite the highly racialized and often exploitative nature of the work, the Red Cap was a highly coveted job for college-bound black men determined to join New York’s burgeoning middle class. Washington chronicles Williams’s life, showing how the enterprising son of freed slaves successfully navigated the segregated world of New York City. Williams promoted civic and cultural projects, organized both a baseball and a basketball team, and an orchestra. An homage to the Red Caps as sung by Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra in 1937 accompanies the conversation. 

Pastrami a go-go - A Conversation with Author Anthony Tucker

In this second episode of Pastrami a go-go and Other Rye Tales of the City, children's book author, father, assistant principal, and teacher Anthony Tucker of the Bronx talks about his journey from East Harlem to the Bronx, teaching, and writing children's books. Tied In is his latest book, vividly illustrated in watercolors by Charlene Mosley, which tells the story of little Tuckie and his creative uses of his father's ties. 'Let your imagination guide you' is the theme of the book. The book is currently available for sale on Amazon. For more information about Pastrami a go-go, please Like the page and follow us on Facebook. Happy listening and enjoy the show!

Pastrami a go-go - The Last Days of Lord & Taylor

With Pastrami a go-go, hosts Arlene Schulman and Judy Schoolman take a somber look at the last days of Lord & Taylor's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The podcast includes an interview with a descendent of Samuel Lord, comments from shoppers, and features commentary by Women's Wear Daily Reporter David Moin.