It’s a time to celebrate the instrumental role and incredible achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history — which are often undervalued and overlooked — as well as acknowledge and help work to overcome the issues and inequalities still plaguing the Black community today.
NYC is commemorating the month with a number of special events and exhibits, from special concerts to film screenings to pop-up exhibitions. Whether you want to learn more about Black figures in history, honor Black talent and artists, or support local Black-owned businesses and restaurants, there’s something for everyone!
Check out these ways to celebrate Black History Month in New York City here:
1. Paley Celebrates National Geographic’s Genius: MLK/X—Two Minds, One Movement
This brand new exhibit coming to the Paley Center on February 1 will feature costumes, props, and set pieces from National Geographic’s upcoming Genius: MLK/X series. Visitors will be immersed right into the inspiring world of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
Plus, on opening night there will be a premiere of the seris as well as a panel featuring actors from the show Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Aaron Pierre (Malcolm X), Weruche Opia (Coretta Scott King), and Jayme Lawson (Betty Shabazz), and showrunners Raphael Jackson Jr. and Damione Macedon. Learn more about the exhibit here.
2. A Union of Hope: 1869
For the first time ever, a Black family’s home is on display at the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side. A Union of Hope: 1869 follows the story of Joseph and Rachel Moore, two Black New Yorkers who made their home in Lower Manhattan’s tenements in the 1860s and 1870s. This apartment exhibit dives into how the two migrated (Joseph from Belvidere, NJ and Rachel from Kingston, NY) to NYC and the community they built in their neighborhood and workplace along the way. Learn more about the exhibit here.
3. The Ways of Langston Hughes: Griff Davis and Black Artists in the Making
This exhibit at the New York Public Library showcases the life and work of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes over his years. Forging friendships and mentorships with Black creatives and professionals over the course of his life, this exhibit show photos (taken by Griff Davis) of Hughes in his most natural habitat — teaching students, writers, visual artists, and performers in different periods of their maturation. It opens on February 1 and you can learn more here.
4. Black Future Festival
From Feburary 18 – 25, Brooklyn Museum will be hosting a week long celebration of the African Diaspora and Black History Month. Each day there will be workshops, dance performances, storytelling, and much more! Stay tuned for additional details and learn more about the Black Future Festival here!
5. Black History Month Program by Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center
Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC), the oldest presenting organization in Brooklyn, and Central Baptist Church of NYC will present its Black History Month program on Saturday, February 24 at 4 pm! This free event features three bible-themed works by choreographer Walter Rutledge, celebrating Black contributions to music, dance, and spoken word.
6. The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism
The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism is set to open at The Met on February 25. It will feature 160 works of paintings, sculptures, photography, film, and ephemera exploring how Black artists portrayed everyday modern life in the new Black cities that took shape in the 1920s–40s. From New York City’s blossoming Harlem to other cities populated during the Great Migration, artists like Charles Alston, Aaron Douglas, and more portray the era through their eyes. Learn more about the exhibit here.
7. Running for Civil Rights: The New York Pioneer Club, 1936 – 1976
This exciting exhibition at The New York Historical Society details the history of the New York City Marathon through the activism of New York-based running clubs New York Pioneer Club and the New York Road Runners. Led by runner Ted Corbitt (1919–2007) and civil rights activist Joseph Yancey (1910–1991), the exhibit outlines how the two worked together to revolutionize the sport and the ethos of inclusiveness associated with the Marathon to this day. Learn more about the exhibit here.
8. Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys
Step into the world of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ special visual art collection, which includes over 100 major works by Black diasporic artists Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and many more. With the goal to celebrate “[Black] artists supporting artists,” the collection features albums, musical equipment, BMX bikes, and everything in between. It’s happening at Brooklyn Museum starting February 10. Learn more about the exhibit here.
9. Harlem Fine Arts Show
Harlem Fine Arts Show is celebrating their 16th year of being the largest traveling arts show featuring Artists from the African Diaspora. The show will feature up to 100 artists of African, Caribbean, and Black descent over a monumental three-day cultural experience and festival. Learn more here.
When: February 23 – 25
Where: The Glasshouse – 660 12th Ave.
10. Shop at NYC’s Black-owned businesses
After grabbing a meal at a Black-owned restaurant, why not show your love to all of NYC’s amazing Black-owned businesses? From clothing to housewares to books, you’ll find anything you’re looking for at these shops.
11. Nordstrom’s Black-Owned Brands Pop-Up Shop
Stop by Nordstrom in Midtown all month long and experience their new pop-up that highlights Black brands from all over! Customers are able to shop apparel, accessories, beauty and home, plus more. Brands included are Pat McGrath Labs, Love, Vera, Wales Bonner, Daily Paper, SPGBK, Good American, and more! The pop-up shop is happening until March 3.
Where: 225 W 57th St
12. Louis Armstrong House Museum
The Louis Armstrong House Museum is a celebration of the legacy of famed Black musician Louis Armstrong. What was once his home with his wife Lucille is now a furnished museum, offering a peek into the life of the iconic jazz legend and his family. During February, they’ll be offering special BHM tours on Thursdays – Saturdays, highlighting his contributions to the Civil Rights era. Learn more about The Louis Armstrong House Museum here.
Where: 34-56 107th St, Queens
13. The Rhythms & Movement of African American Culture Festival
Consisting of 7 days and 16 performances, Asase Yaa is hosting a festival celebrating the fusion of African music genres and dance forms. You can expect to see Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, Asase Yaa Theater Company, Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble, Ife Youth Dance Theater and Arkestra Africa over the course of the festival, performing dances from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Cuba, and beyond. Learn more about The Rhythms & Movement of African American Culture Festival here.
14. Drunk Black History
Comedian Brandon Collins brings his highly hilarious podcast to life this Black History Month with a live show at Caveat on February 10. With special guests Charles McBee, LeClerc Andre, and Laneya Wiles, you’ll be laughing to a night of educational and witty BHM jokes served up by booze-filled comedians. Learn more about Drunk Black History here.
15. Brooklyn and the Abolitionist Movement Walk
The Urban Park Rangers will be hosting a Black History Month walk on February 18 from 11 am – 12:30 pm, discussing Brooklyn’s significant history to the abolitionist movement in the United States. You’ll be able to pass by famous monuments and learn a bit of history along the way! Learn more about the walk here.