Emblematic of the tension between tradition and non-conformity in Morningside Heights is neighborhood son George Carlin. He lived and attended Corpus Christi parish school on 121st Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. Carlin referred to the community as White Harlem in several of his routines. West 121st Street was renamed George Carlin Way in 2014, though one block east of where he actually lived and attended classes. This was requested by the parish. Negotiation is key in Morningside Heights.
MHCC is planning a new podcast series on our neighborhood.
In the meantime, here are some of the voices Carlin heard as a kid.
And here is a link to Morningside Now, a series of shows that aired on Columbia University radio station WKCR. These pieces were produced in 2006 – 2007 and offer a glimpse into our neighborhood’s history and culture.
