ASEZ WAO volunteers partnered with NYC Parks for cleanups at Morningside Park over two consecutive weeks, on July 27 and August 3, 2025. As part of the Green Earth Campaign, the event welcomed students back to school by refreshing green spaces near local Harlem schools.
ASEZ WAO’s presence in Harlem is growing, bringing new energy and momentum to the community. Volunteers from Korea also joined, showing that caring for the environment is a global act that strengthens neighborhoods everywhere. During the cleanup, they repainted benches, removed litter, and cleared debris, collecting and responsibly disposing of 175 pounds of waste.
By restoring the park, volunteers inspired the community, especially young people, to take pride in the places where they live, play, and grow.
Honoring Youth Leadership in Harlem
Supported by Assembly Member Jordan Wright (District 70) and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, ASEZ WAO was honored with two citations and a Certificate of Recognition for its impact. Their collective action demonstrates how youth leadership is driving sustainable change across Harlem.
Getting youth involved early helps them understand the value of their own efforts. Helping the park thrive teaches them responsibility and shifts how they view both their community and themselves.
Bringing Harlem’s Parks to Life
Moreover, this event advanced ASEZ WAO’s Green Earth campaign, which promotes environmental stewardship through community cleanups, painting, and landscaping projects. Across New York City, communities are uniting to honor and strengthen Harlem’s enduring legacy. Clean and safe parks improve neighborhoods, bring people together, and encourage shared responsibility for maintaining green spaces.
Park beautification projects give neighbors a chance to meet, work together, and care for their streets and parks. Each cleanup, painted bench, and cleared path brings the community together, and ASEZ WAO keeps making that happen.
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