Since 1976, every February -- or Black History Month -- has been recognized as a time to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans. As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., New Yorkers have a long tradition of supporting the “gorgeous mosaic” of the City throughout the year by attending a wide variety of events throughout the city. If you are looking to celebrate Black History Month, consider the following events:
Jackie Robinson Family Day
Museum of the City of New York
Tuesday, February 19
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: Free with museum admission
Learn about Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking career as the first African American to play baseball in the major leagues, when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson Family Day features educational arts and crafts for the kids, and corresponds with the MCNY exhibit, In the Dugout with Jackie Robinson, honoring the centennial of the baseball legend’s birth with memorabilia and media exhibits.
Dr. Ruth Wilson Gilmore
Lincoln Center Campus, Corrigan Conference Center
Fordham University, Dept. of African and African American Studies
February 15, 2019
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Fordham University’s Department of African and African American Studies will host a lecture with Dr. Ruth Wilson Gilmore, the associate director of the Center for Place, Culture and Politics for the CUNY Graduate Center. The lecture will focus on police reform and militarization, and prison abolitionists, and will be open to the public.
Let My People Sing!
St. John’s in the Village
Saturday, February 16
7:00 – 10:00 PM
Cost: $12 - $20
Join other supporters of Black History Month for an unforgettable night of music at the historic St. John’s in the Village at 224 Waverly Place. Let My People Sing honors African Americans as tenor, baritone, and bass sing spirituals and arias in remembrance and celebration of the African American experience.
Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt: Biased
Wednesday, February 27
7:00 PM
Cost: $15 - $28
Author Jennifer Eberhardt leads a presentation and discussion regarding unconscious bias and its impact throughout society, from education to employment, to housing, to criminal justice. Dr. Eberhardt, Stanford professor and recipient of a MacArthur genius grant, uses research and experience to offer insights into the dilemma of unconscious bias and the path forward.
Black History Month: The Birthplace of Hip Hop
Cedar Playground, the Bronx
February 24, 2019
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Cost: Free
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn the history of hip hop, from its beginnings in 1973 at a party near the Cedar Playground. Explore hip hop and celebrate Black History Month with the Urban Park Rangers, a group that specializes in critical historical events in NYC history.
For more information about events in NYC, for Black History Month and beyond, check out the NYXT Community Calendar here.
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