Black History Month in New York

Black History Month, also called African-American History Month, is an officially recognized month dedicated to remembering the people and events in Black history.

Given that New York is one of the United States’ most prominent cities for Black history and culture, it’s worth taking a visit to honor the lived history and current impacts of Black Americans.

When is Black History Month honored in NYC?

Each year, Black History Month is celebrated in the month of February. Typically, Black History Month events in NYC will begin taking place February 1st, 2023 and end on February 28th, 2023.

What events happen in NYC during Black History Month?

One way of finding the best events in NYC during Black History Month is to look toward NYC cultural centers, events, and groups to see what they’re planning. There will often be events during the week and on the weekend in each of NYC’s five boroughs.

Here just a few of many great events coming up:

• On Friday, February 4th, there is a Black History Month art exhibition being put on by African American Culture: Connecting the Community Through the Arts.
• The Harlem Chamber Players will present their 14th Annual Black History Month Celebration on Tuesday, February 22nd.
• The New York Public Library has Black History Month events in NYC all month long, including events with the co-founder of Black Lives Matter, film screenings, author talks, and more.
• African Popup Festival to feature food, culture, and community at Hudson Station in New York on Saturday, February 19th.
• Museum of the City of New York celebrates Black History Month with special exhibitions and collections
• Check out the digital exhibition “Land of the Blacks” in the World Trade Center Oculus

However you choose to celebrate and honor Black History Month, NYC is one of the best cities in which to do so. The amazing culture and the lived experience combine for unforgettable moments. With historical landmarks, monuments, and parks dedicated to prominent Black Americans and events put on by those making Black history today, there is something for everyone throughout the month!

My Tip

Explore Harlem’s most vibrant neighborhoods

This insider walking tour will teach you all about Harlem’s diverse cultural and social history. It will take you to the Mount Morris Historic District, which will be introduced to you by a New York guide. You will be surprised how elegant the houses are here and how much history this part of New York City will tell you. Really exciting!

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Are there Black History Month parades in NYC?

While NYC does not plan any official Black History Month parades, there are plenty of events throughout the city and throughout the month.

What is New York City’s connection to Black History Month?

New York City is filled with connections to Black history and important Black Americans. That can be seen in the many African-American Namesake Parks in the city, including Martin Luther King Triangle, Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary, Grant Park, and Elston Gene Howard Field.

There are also a number of cultural sites dedicated to the African diaspora, including the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, the Louis Armstrong House Museum, the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center, the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art, the Sandy Ground Historical Society Museum, the African Burial Ground National Monument, and more.

The New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website also includes a number of ways to explore NYC’s many historical ties to Black History Month.

FAQ

Where are the historically Black areas of NYC?

Part of honoring the contribution of Black Americans is understanding their impact in the cities we live in and visit. A trip to NYC for Black History Month should include a few of these stops:

• Cedar Playground – Called the birthplace of Hip Hop, Cedar Playground (then known as Cedar Park) in the Bronx is the site of perhaps the first Hip Hop party on August 11, 1973
• New York’s Municipal Slave Market – A market established in 1711 and used through 1762 to sell slaves used to exist on Wall Street between Pearl and Water Streets, which is also near one of New York’s first slave uprisings.
• The Tree of Hope – Located in Harlem at 131st Street and Seventh Avenue, this was an iconic spot for stage performers.
• The Underground Railroad – This former network of sanctuaries and safehouses extended from the South and the former Confederate States up through the Northern states, including New York. Some of the final spots of the railroad are believed to be in Flushing, Queens.