Central Harlem in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Howard Bennett Playground
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 17, 2024
What was here before?
This property was part of farmer John Meyer's 108-acre estate. He purchased the property in 1825 and built his home at present-day Eighth Avenue and West 133rd Street in 1835, which remained until 1897. The property was ultimately divided into smaller lots and sold at auction.
How did this site become a playground?
This property was acquired by the City in 1954, when P.S. 197 was built, and opened as a playground in 1958. This playground is a Jointly Operated Playground (JOP) serving P.S. 197 and the local community. Beginning in 1938, the Board of Education agreed to provide and next to schools where NYC parks could build and maintain playgrounds that could be used by the school during the day and by the public when school is not in session.
In 1998, the site was upgraded with accessible play equipment. The renovation was assisted by volunteers from the Junior League of New York, P.S. 197, and the community, who worked with NYC Parks, City Parks Foundation, and the Horticultural Society of New York.
Who is this playground named for?
Howard Bennett (1911-1981) was a Harlem community leader and the founder of the National Citizens Committee for a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
Bennett, one of 16 brothers and sisters, was born in Greenwich Village. After serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II, he became a leader of the 369th Veterans Association, the organization of members of the famous "Harlem Hellfighters." He also served as Labor Chairman of the New York Branch of the NAACP and was a consultant and confidant of labor leader A. Phillip Randolph.
From the time of Dr. King's assassination on April 4, 1968, until his own death in 1981, Bennett campaigned persistently to make Jan. 15, the birthday of the civil rights leader, a national holiday. Bennett and several friends conceived the idea while returning from Dr. King's funeral in Atlanta. After renting a storefront in Harlem, he enlisted the help of a few dedicated grassroots activists and began gathering signatures on petitions.
In April 1970, along with William Byrd and other members of the 131st Street Block Association, Bennett presented six million signatures to Brooklyn Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Detroit Congressman John Conyers. Chisholm and Conyers introduced a bill in Congress, which was finally passed in 1983. On Nov. 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the law that made Jan. 15 a national holiday in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Since 1986, the holiday has been observed on the third Monday in January.
In 1977, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities from
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 17, 2024
Erected by NYC Parks. (Marker Number 301.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Notable Events • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 4, 1968.
Location. 40° 48.814′ N, 73° 56.348′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Central Harlem. Marker is at the intersection of West 135th Street and Lenox Terrace Place, on the right when traveling west on West 135th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 W 135th St, New York NY 10037, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. Godfrey Nurse (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mr. Marcus Garvey (approx. 0.2 miles away); Harlem YMCA (approx. 0.2 miles away); Zora Neale Hurston (approx. ¼ mile away); Savoy Ballroom (approx. ¼ mile away); The New York Age (approx. 0.3 miles away); Scott Joplin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Romare H. Bearden (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 17, 2024
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 39 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.