UPTOWNflavor

By Tiffany Y’vonne Thompson

Harlem local Gordon E. Sims carries a mission and a passion to promote our community, technologically and artistically. Three years ago, he opened the Dollar Internet Café with co-owner Tyesha M. Sims. Located at 1687 Amsterdam Avenue between 143rd Street and 144th Street, the café offers affordable high-speed internet, traditional office/copy services, and software tutorials — ranging from educational, to business, to creative — within an intimate and small café setting.

The Dollar Internet Café isn’t your usual impersonal internet spot. As soon as you walk in the door, your presence is acknowledged, while your senses indulge in the local Harlem artistry showcased on the exposed brick walls in an inviting atmosphere.

As you look around, there are students writing papers, a graphic artist designing a flier, a young emcee ‘choppin’ a beat, two art appreciators exploring the latest exhibit, and a writer seated on the couch with a warm cappuccino. The amazing aspect of the entire scene is the learning and growth taking place — especially for our youth.

As Harlem youth flock in and out to research assigned topics, seek academic pointers, and complete papers, they are exposed to respect, kindness, dignity, and a can-do attitude through their interactions with the staff. These values are a natural part of the ambiance. Mr. Sims shares his motto of first giving to others the things he asks of them as members of the growing café community.

In effect, the Dollar Internet Café offers our youth and community a positive and enriching environment while closing the technological divide and sharing values — the Harlem way.

For more information, check out www.thedollarinternetcafe.com.

The Dollar Internet Café
1687 Amsterdam, between 143rd and 144th
718-213-4677