Black History Month, observed in the US each February, honors the achievements of African Americans. Officially recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, Black History Month expanded on the celebrations and performances held in honor of National Negro History Week, which had been established in 1926.
In addition to recognizing some outstanding African American political figures, artists, academics, and humanitarians, this month is also a time to highlight black history in America and to celebrate the contributions of our African American neighbors to the culture, arts, and community we all share. NYXT invites you to head out on the town to take in shows, exhibitions, tours, and events, featuring the talents and telling the stories of the black experience in New York.
“Black is Beautiful”: Fashion and Consciousness
When: Tuesday, February 6, 6:30 pm
Where: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St.
Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, students & educators (with ID), $10 for Museum members
Documentary photographer Kwame Brathwaite and his son Kwame S. Brathwaite join historian Tanisha Ford and designer Mimi Plange to reflect on the impact of Brathwaite Sr.’s pioneering “Black Is Beautiful” photographs. Brathwaite’s photographs helped to popularize an Afro-centric vision of female beauty. Visit the Museum’s website to buy tickets and learn more about the exhibition Mod New York: Fashion Takes a Trip.
Black Gotham Experience
When: Saturday, February 10, 11:00am - 5:00pm
Where: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St.
Cost: Free with museum admission
Spend the day at the Museum of the City of New York with a full slate of activities, panels, and lectures telling the stories of free and enslaved Africans in early New Amsterdam through the legacies of their descendants in the ever-changing landscape of Manhattan. All ages, including families, are invited to celebrate history with music, performance art, and interactive activities including a scavenger hunt.
Harlem Black and Jewish Music Culture 1890-1930 Walking Tour
When: Thursdays, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Book Harlem One Stop tours online
Cost: $41 per person
This walking tour, presented by Harlem One Stop, will introduce attendees to new perspectives on Harlem. In the early 20th century, Harlem was a unique collaborative space where Jewish composers like George Gershwin, Oscar Hammerstein, and Richard Rodgers worked in collaboration with their African-American counterparts W.C. Handy, James Reese Europe, Duke Ellington. Explore residences, nightclubs, and famous sites, like the APOLLO Theater that tell the story of black music culture in Harlem.
Take a Workshop at Alvin Ailey Extension School
When: Saturday, February 17 @ 1:00pm and Sunday, February 18 @ 2:00pm
Where: Alvin Ailey Extension School, 405 W 55th Street, New York, NY 10019
Cost: $60 per person for full workshop or $25 per person for a single class
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded to bring African-American culture and American modern dance to the world. And the Ailey Extension school offers anyone and everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in dance and to learn more about traditional African and African diaspora dance. Explore the dances and rhythms of Carnaval on February 18 with a workshop on Afro-Brazilian dance. Or, consider a workshop in Afro Flow Yoga on February 18, to infuse dance movements of the African diaspora into your yoga practice.
SEE MORE ON THE BLOG: Celebrating Black History Month
For more on our content partners celebrating Black History Month, be sure to check out:
- Harlem One Stop connects people with arts, civic groups, cultural institutions, businesses, and cultural opportunities in Harlem.
- Museum of the History of New York celebrates the unique past, present, and future of New York City.
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, founded in 1958, brings African-American culture and American modern dance to the world.
And for more ways to get out and get involved in your community this month, check out the NYXT Community Events Calendar.
Sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
https://africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/about/
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