BET’s Soul Train Awards Weekend: Record-Breaking Joy Hits Harlem With The Longest Soul Train Line Ever
Soul Train has been many things to many people throughout its 50-year existence. Now, you can add being a part of a major world event to that list as good vibes and chill sensations resonated throughout Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, New York on Sunday (November 21) as hundreds lined up to participate in an event Built by Lowe's dubbed A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record attempt to break the tally for the most Soul Train Line dancers to ever assemble.
A November fall sun blazed brightly as DJ Scratch and DJ Enuff spun tunes to get the energy hyped with the most select, soulful and rhythmic offerings. The music kept folks moving and grooving long before they got a chance to shimmy into their 25 seconds of fame dancing down the Soul Train Line.
“Soul Train has been a staple in American homes for 50 years, transforming every room into a dance floor and filling viewers of all ages with joy and energy,” said Reginald Henderson, Lowe’s vice president, government relations. “As a home improvement retailer, we are honored to be a part of the record-breaking event.”
Women, children, babies, reality TV stars, police officers, park employees, rappers and local Harlem residents of all colors, creeds and nationalities all understood the assignment. Each one in their own way made the day a beautiful tapestry of love to pay homage to Don Cornelius’ lasting legacy.
Some people even dressed for the occasion. Even if they didn’t come prepared in the traditional Soul Train gear, they came ready with the moves as was the case with Tish, who runs a group home for boys in the Bronx.
“This is something spontaneous that I did. I like dancing so I figured ‘why not dance for the world?’,” she told BET.com. “I dressed up as Mrs. Incredible because I couldn’t find the wig to go with my Beyonce outfit. Plus, I’ve always liked dancing in costumes.”
A.J. Jones and her daughter Briana were also among the throngs of people who were on hand to feel the joy of dancing in the park as a collective.
“It’s blessed, it’s joyful and I am thankful. There are a lot of happy people and I feel really good,” said the elder Jones, who made the dance procession all the while pushing her walker.
“It was a wonderful experience. I’m here with my daughter who came down the Soul Train Line with me today.”
“It was very good. It was my first time doing a really big Soul Train Line. It was really good and refreshing. Is a very good experience,” she added.
Also on the Soul Train line was a woman who appeared to be well into her 70s, but who moved with the fluidness of a new butterfly as she made her way down the line and into the hearts of all who saw her.
“I remember when Soul Train first came on all the way back in 1971. I can also remember not going outside on a Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. just so we could watch the show. I’ve always loved Soul Train,” said Deborah Sanders.
It was clear that the organizers of the event had worked hard to meet and beat the world record as a representative from the Guinness Books of World Records tallied the final numbers with the number to beat being 426. In the end, the event saw exactly 536 dancers stroll down the line in an act of eternal love for dance to break and hold the record.
