A Serendipitous Encounter in Duke Ellington Plaza

A good-looking young man smokes and checks his phone at Duke Ellington Plaza, located near the Africa Center and Central Park in Harlem, New York.

Taking a break in Duke Ellington Plaza, you pause to savor a moment of tranquility amidst the city’s relentless energy. As you lift your gaze, your eyes land on a vision that instantly captivates your heart.

He stands there—undeniably one of the most beautiful men you’ve ever seen. His black hair is pulled back into a neat ball, framing his striking, angular features. His tall, slender frame is draped in a gently open black raincoat, complemented by black boots that add to his aura of mysterious elegance.

Absorbed in his phone, he smokes something unmistakably not a cigarette. His faded jeans flare subtly over his boots—a fashion choice that only someone his age could pull off with such effortless nonchalance. You find yourself drawn to him, an unspoken curiosity urging you forward. But then, doubt creeps in.

What if he speaks no English? What if his voice is strangely nerdy? These thoughts swirl in your mind, yet deep down, you know fear of rejection has never truly held you back.

You reflect on Napoleon—who may have lost Waterloo but never allowed defeat to silence his ambition. The thought steels your resolve.

He lingers longer than expected, finishing his joint before glancing down to check if he’s dropped anything. Then, just for a fleeting second, his eyes meet yours. Without realizing it, you smile.

He turns and walks away, heading toward one of the two Heritage Towers. And just like that, you suddenly know so much more about him than you did moments ago.

Perhaps this is how love begins—when courage dares to pursue it.

The Plaza
Formerly named "Frawley Circle", the traffic circle was renamed "Duke Ellington Circle" in 1995. In 1997, the Duke Ellington Memorial by sculptor Robert Graham was erected in the middle of the shallow amphitheater composing the circle. Though the circle diverts the flow of 110th Street, Fifth Avenue maintains a direct route through the intersection.

The Museum for African Art designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects opened at the circle in 2019 and was the first addition to New York City's Museum Mile in decades.

The Harlem Meer is a water body in the northeast corner of Central Park—one of the most popular destinations in the area and known for its wealth of activities and scenic beauty.