Image via Figure Skating Harlem
Since 1926, a theme has been designated each February that brings attention to a critical moment in Black history. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), African-American scholar Carter G. Woodson, “realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.”
To honor 2021’s Black History Month, we wanted to highlight some of NYXT’s video content partners that celebrate the contributions of Black culture in New York. Connect and engage with: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Art Start, Figure Skating in Harlem, Harlem One Stop, Louis Armstrong House Museum and learn joyful stories and experiences empowered by Black identities.
At the same time: next week is the World Day of Social Justice. Throughout 2020 and after the many protests with thousands of people marching in the streets demanding equality and justice for Black lives after far too many murders at the hands of the police, we asked some community partners to share their approach to social justice with us. Stay tuned next week for messages from Amnesty International, Green Bronx Machine, Animal Outlook, School of Visual Arts and A Call to Men.
Louis Armstrong House Museum
The Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives is a National Historic Landmark and a New York City landmark. The Museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of African American Museums, the Museums Council of New York City, the New York State Museums Association, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and NYC & Company. The Museum is a constituent of the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College.
“The Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives sustains and promotes the cultural, historical, and humanitarian legacy of Louis Armstrong by preserving and interpreting Armstrong’s house and grounds, collecting and sharing archival materials that document Armstrong’s life and legacy, and presenting public programs such as exhibits, concerts, lectures, and film screenings. The Museum seeks to educate and inspire people of all ages, origins, and locations.”
Figure Skating in Harlem
Figure Skating in Harlem helps girls transform their lives and grow in confidence, leadership and academic achievement. They are the only organization in the world for girls of color that combines the power of education with access to the artistic discipline of figure skating to build champions in life.
“Our signature curriculum is designed to improve reading, writing and math, introduce financial literacy and STEM concepts, promote positive social skills, emotional skills and a encourage good health and nutrition. Our vision is to create leaders of tomorrow through cultural field-trips, life skills classes and career exploration trips where the students learn about identity, self-actualization, goals and planning for their future.”
Harlem One Stop
Harlem One Stop connects people with arts, civic groups, cultural institutions, businesses, and cultural opportunities in Harlem. The group organizes shows and festivals embracing the diversity of Harlem and giving an opportunity for local businesses and emerging artists to meet their audiences in New York.
Image via Harlem One Stop
Art Start
Art Start connects New York City’s artists and creatively-minded professionals with children and youth from historically marginalized communities to make masterpieces.
“The significance of Art Start’s work with children and families living in the shelter system intensifies each year as the incidence of homelessness continues to rise and worsen. The most recent estimates are that there are upwards of 63,000 people experiencing homelessness in New York City; up to 23,000 of these are children, and 75% of the shelter population is made up of families” - Mariama Noguera-Devers, Programs Manager at Art Start in this interview with NYXT.
Art Start Volunteers have many ways to contribute, and the main one is to be a Workshop Mentor in their Creative Collectives or Creative Connections programs. Click here to learn more.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in order to bring African-American culture and American modern dance to the world. Since its founding in 1958, The Ailey Theater has performed 235 different works.
Some of their current clases include Training of the Highest Caliber, Real Class for Real People, and various programs for kids 2-17 years old.
Related articles:
Dismantle Systemic Racism With These Five Nonprofit Organizations - Part 1
Dismantle Systemic Racism With These Five Nonprofit Organizations - Part 2
How to Use Video and Technology to Protect and Defend Human Rights with WITNESS
Animal Outlook on environmental racism and ethical consumption
Women’s Rights Issues to Focus on in 2020
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