NYC: Black History Month
It's February 1, and that means it's the start of Black History Month!
If you're looking for ways to celebrate in and around the NYC area, here are some suggestions:
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Black History in NYC Parks
Learn about the trials and triumphs of the black experience in the United States and how New York City honors black history in our parks today. Whether it's through sculptures in the parks or enjoying the parks that honor African-Americans, NYC has a ton of public spaces dedicated to celebrating black history.
Courtesy of Inside Pulse
Fight the Power: Black Superheroes on Film
"Black Panther" isn't the only super hero to represent people of color. Check out the Brooklyn Academy of Music's two-week film series dedicated to black screen actors any superhero fan will love. But as the saying goes, not all heroes wear capes: Some sport platform boots, black trench coats, or spiffy business suits as depicted in flicks like as "Foxy Brown," "Blade," and "Men in Black."
Courtesy of Brooklyn Museum
Brooklyn Talks: "A Tribute to Basquiat"
In honor of One Basquiat, contemporary artists and collaborators pay homage to the resounding legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat in Brooklyn and beyond. In celebration of the ways in which art shapes lives, each participant discusses a work of art in Basquiat’s oeuvre that has inspired them and their practice. Participants include graffiti artist and former creative director of Def Jam Cey Adams, artist and actor Lee Quiñones, and photographer Maripol.
Courtesy of Time Out
Harlem's Historic Faces and Places
Taste Harlem offers food and cultural tours of one of New York’s most celebrated names. The History and Architectural Landscape Tour explores the most spectacular features of notable theaters, religious buildings and residential homes, as well as the history of Harlem’s transformation from one of the largest Jewish neighborhoods in the world to the home of its current diverse population.
Courtesy of Green-Wood Cemetery
Black in Brooklyn
Take a trolley tour through Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery, where notable people like Susan Smith McKinney Steward, the first female black doctor in New York State, Jeremiah Hamilton, New York City’s first black millionaire, and Brooklyn-born artist Jean-Michel Basquiat have been laid to rest.
With events ranging from art to lectures to food to film, there's really something for everyone! Now get to celebrating this great month!
-Jen
