NYC: How to Celebrate Black History Month
Our Cheeto-In-Chief clearly does not know a single fucking thing about black history, (ahem, Fredrick Douglass is not still alive). If he were still in NYC, I'd encourage him to attend any of these amazing events happening around town.
Here's how you can celebrate #BHM all around New York:
Black Actress Magic: Black Female Diversity in Film and TV
Brooklyn-based actress Cassandra Freeman will lead a panel including Toni Belafonte, Andrea Lewis, and Santana Caress Benitez to discuss the obstacles black women face in the film and television industry.
When: Tuesday, February 7, 7 p.m.
Where: BRIC House Stoop, 647 Fulton Street
Poetic Justice: Speaking Their Names
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women honors the legacy of Maya Angelou with an evening of social justice–infused poetry and spoken word performance. This year’s program honors women (and men) who have suffered social injustice and empowers women to take action. With performances by Toni Blackman, Sheikia Norris “Purple Haze,” Christine “Phya Startah” Gilliam, Barbara Bethea, and Robyn Baxter “IBePoet.” Special guest, Valerie Bell, the mother of Sean Bell. ($23)
When: Thursday, February 23, 7 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Black in 19th-Century Brooklyn Trolley Tour
A trolley tour making stops at the graves of prominent black New Yorkers and abolitionists buried at Green-Wood Cemetery (Margaret Pine, Susan Smith McKinney Steward) and at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights, a pre-abolition free black community. ($40, lunch incl.)
When: Saturday, February 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Green-Wood Cemetery
Black Artstory Month’s INSIDE/OUTSIDE Self-Guided Artwalk
A group of 15 New York-based artists have assembled interior and exterior murals and art installations on Myrtle Avenue. The artwork will explore the need for communities to gather and build themselves in both private and public spaces. An additional exhibit will be located at BLDG 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
When: All day, Feb. 1 to Feb. 29
Where: Myrtle Avenue, between Flatbush and Classon avenues
“Radical Black History” at First Saturdays
February’s free “Target First Saturdays” programming includes an interactive exhibit on black radicalism, a monologue performance series on the topic of racial profiling, a screening of a Black Panthers documentary and a free concert by Brooklyn-based singer Charles Perry.
When: February 6, 5 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Museum of Art, 200 Eastern Parkway
Say It Loud
Just 2 percent of the country’s total licensed architects are African American. This exhibition at the Center for Architecture features projects from some 20 designers, along with a timeline covering the history of black architects in the city, as well as interviews and quotes about the experiences of African-American designers and architects. (free)
When: Now through Saturday, April 1
Where: The Center for Architecture
536 LaGuardia Place
How will you be celebrating Black History Month?
-Jen
