Vegan Garden Social: Harlem Edition Returns to Sugar Hill Hope Garden on September 26

NEW YORK - Rezul -- Vegan Garden Social: Harlem Edition returns Saturday, September 26, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sugar Hill Hope Garden, 475 West 152nd Street, New York, NY 10031. Curated by Latresa Baker of Optimum Health Essentials and Chef Chandra Lee of Embrace Raw Living, the free, all-ages event brings plant-based cuisine, live entertainment, and community connection back to Harlem for a second, bigger run.

"Our first Vegan Garden Social showed us how much appetite there is for a space where plant-based living, wellness, and community come together," said Latresa Baker and Chef Chandra Lee, co-curators of Vegan Garden Social: Harlem Edition. "Bringing it back felt natural — it's the spirit we want this event to carry."

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The afternoon opens with a panel discussion, "Fueling Longevity: Nourishing Body, Mind and Connection," from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., followed by audience Q&A. Moderated by Empress Lanice, founder of Empress Lanice Media House (ELMH), featuring Natascha Hardee, Pro-Aging Coach, Hardee Life; Chef Chandra Lee, MS, holistic nutritionist, Embrace Raw Living; Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston, wellness advocate, Lashawn Marston Enterprises; and Raidirys Altagracia ("RA"), plant-based caterer, Raw In It.

Food vendors include scratch-made cupcakes from a local baker; cold-pressed juices and plant-based eats from Latresa Baker of Optimum Health Essentials; raw vegan pizza from Chef Chandra Lee of Embrace Raw Living; plant-based dishes from Alkaline Vegan Chef Xavier of Well Charged NYC; and plant-based fare from Raidirys Altagracia ("RA") of Raw In It.

Guests can explore natural-fragrance workshops with Evandros "Evander" Amani of Essence Equilibrium, featuring handcrafted perfumes; a garden painting session with GnA Studios; energy healing with Reiki Master Jasmine Morris; and personalized "Legacy Statement" brand reflections at the Empress Lanice Media House (ELMH) table.

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Entertainment runs throughout the afternoon, hosted by MC Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston, with music from DJ Sphere and performances by singer Shanay Morant and spoken word artist Siah Davis.

Admission is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged, and donations, online or cash, include entry into a raffle.

The event is supported by sponsors Mega Music Studio, Inc., Avrillilly's, The Plug, Empress Lanice Media House (ELMH), Maat Treehouse, and Uptown & Boogie Healthy Food Project.

The event is rain-or-shine and all-ages; RSVP and event details are on Eventbrite.

About the Curators

Latresa Baker is a Harlem-based entrepreneur and founder of Optimum Health Essentials, offering fresh, cold-pressed nutritional juices across the Tristate area through farmers markets, pop-ups, and community events, informed by her own natural healing journey.

Chandra Lee, MS, is a spiritual nutritionist, health coach, wholistic chef, herbalist, and meditation instructor. She holds a master's in nutrition and dietetics from NYU and a chef certification from the Natural Gourmet Institute. Through Embrace Raw Living, she creates recipes and coaches clients toward lasting, healthful change.