Activities For Black History Month In NYC

By Jessica Allen

Celebrating black history and culture, Black History Month offers an opportunity to reflect, reconsider and revel. This February, an array of activities will take place throughout the five boroughs. Below are our recommendations for five you won't want to miss.

Brooklyn Abolitionists/In Pursuit of Freedom
The Brooklyn Historical Society
128 Pierrepont St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 222-4111
brooklynhistory.org/exhibitions

This winter the Brooklyn Historical Society seeks to tell the stories of the "unsung heroes of Brooklyn's anti-slavery movement—ordinary residents, black and white—who shaped their neighborhoods, city, and nation with a revolutionary vision of freedom and equality." Also on display is a replica of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Abraham Lincoln, along with an exhibition placing the document into historical context. Ongoing, see website for details, tickets required.

Identity 
Arsenal Gallery
Central Park
830 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10029
(212) 360-8163
www.nycgovparks.org

Central Park has its very own art gallery, and this month it celebrates Black History with an exhibition of work by nine artists exploring the theme of identity, using "elements of swag, spirituality, icons, music, and social justice," as well as a variety of fiber media, from quilts to embroidery. The exhibition was organized by the NYC Parks Ebony Society, which has worked to promote Black History Month using art and artists since 1991. Now through Friday, February 23, free.

Open House
Apollo Theater
253 West 125th St.
New York, NY 10027
(212) 531-5300
www.apollotheater.org

This year's Open House at the legendary Apollo Theater features two free afternoon programs: one entitled "Still, We Rise!," featuring performances and talks on spirituality and environment, and the other called "Tell Them We Are Rising," which tackles the topic of historically black universities and colleges. After a screening of the eponymous documentary, there will be a panel discussion. Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4, 2 to 5 pm, free, tickets required.

Harlem Chamber Players Black History Month Concert
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Boulevard
New York, NY, 10037
(917) 275-6975
www.nypl.org

In honor of Black History Month, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will be hosting a number of events, including an exhibition of key items from the Harlem Renaissance and related Q&A with curators. The Harlem Chamber Players will be performing their 10th Annual Black History Month Celebration concert, including a performance of Nonet, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's piece for winds, strings, and piano. Thursday, February 15, concert begins at 6:30 pm, free.

George Washington Carver Children's Workshop 
Queens Botanical Garden
43-50 Main St.
Queens, NY 11355
(718) 886-3800
queensbotanical.org

Known as the "Wizard of Tuskegee," Dr. George Washington Carver made tremendous contributions to medicine, botany, industrial engineering, and agriculture. He devoted his life to research and study. This kid-focused workshop helps little ones understand Carver's efforts and accomplishments. Participants will paint with plants and create a special lotion to take home. This popular annual workshop will definitely sell out. Tuesday, February 20, 1 to 2:30 pm, $6, advanced registration required.

Seneca Village: Central Park
Central Park
New York, NY 10017
(212) 772-0288
www.centralparknyc.org

Kick off Black History Month with a tour of Seneca Village. From 2 -3:30 p.m. on February 1st visit the portion of New York City that once was a community of African-American property owners before the development of Central Park. The tour meets at 85th Street and Central Park West. Tickets are $10-$15. Then on February 17 from 1 -2:30 p.m. the Urban Park Rangers host a history lesson on the area, which is free.

Vivian Reed Sings Lena Horne
Feinstein's 54/Below
254 W. 54th St.
New York, NY 10019
(646) 476-3551
www.54below.com

In:
• Queens