Join me this week as we journey to Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill.

My guests are Kevin Draper, Director of New York Historical Tours, and Beejhy Barhany, Founder and Owner of Tsion Café.

Segment 1

Jeff introduces the first guest of the night, Kevin Draper. Kevin starts the segment by briefly discussing his background and where he grew up. Kevin shares how New York City has always been a passion of his, even at a young age. Kevin talks of how there were Natives living in Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill before the Europeans came. Kevin thenen talks about notable history in these areas. He discusses Harlem and other northern Manhattan neighborhoods. He delves into the history of the Battle of Harlem. He shares the history of how the land was spearted before Central Park was created. Hamilton and his city life is mentioned. The segment ends with Kevin chatting about Hamilton Terrace.

Segment 2

Kevin opens this segment by mentioning his upcoming tours. He chats about the tours, lectures, and exhibits you can see at Grange Mansion. The guys discuss how the neighborhood came about, including the subway systems and nice apartments. Kevin then talks about the Harlem Renaissance and Sugar Hill. He tells the audience about how Sugar Hill got its name. Jeff mentions a few famous people who had residences in Sugar Hill. Kevin then discusses City College and the principals it was first founded on. City College was initially a free college for men. Kevin chats about Trinity Church Cemetery next. He mentions that the cemetery is very beautiful, and how there are some famous people buried there. Kevin ends the segment by speaking about a Mural Project that is going on in Hamilton Heights and other nice things happening there. 

Segment 3

The second guest of the night is Beejhy Barhany. Beejhy was born in Ethiopia. Her cafe, Tsion Cafe is located on a historical site in Sugar Hill. She begins by discussing her upbringing and her journey to Israel. She describes how her experiences as a young child was critical in her decision to start eating/drinking healthy. She originally wanted to create a non-profit. She had a few jobs before her cafe was founded. She was determined to teach people about Ethiopian Jews. Beejhy talks about how she decided to open up her own business. She talks about the different kinds of healthy Ethiopian foods that are served at her cafe. She chats about how her cafe is just for food; there is music, live shows, and film screenings there! It is a cultural experience. 

Segment 4

Beejhy opens this segment by mentioning some exciting events that are coming up at her cafe. There is an exhibition that just started at her cafe in tribute to Black History Month. She chats about how her cafe isn’t just Ethiopian; she blends flavors from different foods/cultures. She talks of how her cafe brings a diverse group of customers. She chats about how Sugar Hill is an extremely diverse, and historic neighborhood. Beejhy then talks about what makes Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill such unique communities. She talks about a different struggles she has faced with running a business. Beejhy ends the segment by giving advice to people who want to open a business in Sugar Hill.