The Early Years
The young Karabelle Lastique lived in central Harlem with her mom Frances, seven blocks up from the bright lights of 125th Street. But Frances had tuberculosis, and Karabelle also spent considerable stretches of time living with her nearby Aunt Singie while Frances was recuperating in sanatoria.
Karabelle had no siblings. Her elementary years revolved around her best friend June Lundy. The two met in first grade at the Annunciation Church school on 131st Street and would be constant companions over the next eight years, both in school — they could not have been closer alphabetically — and out.
The pair delighted in taking excursions around Manhattan, classic Brownie cameras in hand. At first, Karabelle and June stayed relatively close to home, taking neighborhood “adventure walks” through St. Nicholas Terrace Park, right next to the City College campus.
“We snapped photo after photo, season after season,” remembers June.
The range of their adventure walks would expand over time, to more downtown sites like Grant’s Tomb, Riverside Church, and the Columbia University campus.
“We also got closer to the West Side Highway to get views of New Jersey and Palisades Amusement Park,” says June. “Eventually we walked less and took subways and buses to parks, museums, and other budget-friendly places.”
Karabelle and June would both excel in primary school, and they would never forget dedicated teachers like Sister Rosalita, the very gifted story teller they had in fourth grade.
The pair would go on to different high schools after Annunciation, but they kept in close touch. Both would continue to do well academically, and both would end their student days with doctorates.