6 ways to celebrate Black History Month in New York

New York City’s black community has a rich cultural history and is the largest in the U.S.; there’s plenty to celebrate during black history month. There’s also a painful history of racism toward the black community that must not be forgotten, and the mix of events below is meant to both celebrate the black community and educate us on where we currently stand on racial equality in the U.S.

Rethinking Black Women Freedom Fighters

Stories of women leaders within the fight for black liberation often go untold. Join Ula Taylor, Joseph Fitzgerald and Keith Gilyard on Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. as they discuss how black women negotiated racism, patriarchy, the U.S. class system and a Cold War world while fighting to accomplish their own dreams. 

"Let My People Sing!" Celebrating Black History Month

Honor and remember injustice, suffering and the dignity of human struggle in the face of oppression through the universal language of music on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at Saint John's In the Village, 224 Waverly Place.

Shwick Black Market

Support black-owned small businesses at the Shwick Black Market, 774 Broadway in Bed-Stuy. Shop from more than 50 local vendors, enjoy musical performances and more.

Profiled: A Black History Month Celebration

Profiled wants to show that talking about race doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. It features comics who humorously discuss their experiences with racial profiling and will entertain you while educating you about difficult topics like mass incarceration and the war on drugs. 

Harlem Food Tour

Harlem-based tour company Taste Harlem offers food and cultural tours that teach participants about the history and culture of Harlem while appreciating the rich variety of cuisine on offer in the neighborhood. 

“Power to the People”

NYC Parks Ebony Society’s exhibition Power to the People celebrates the kind of public demonstration that has long taken place in New York City parks, drawing on both the city’s history of protest and current social conflicts. The exhibit is open through Feb. 28 at the Arsenal Gallery, in Central Park at 64th Street and 5th Ave. 

2019 Harlem Fine Arts Show

The Harlem Fine Arts Show celebrates the African Diaspora while showcasing cultural ideas and raising awareness of international, national and local black artists. The New York City stop will take place Feb. 14-17 at the Historic Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Dr. in Morningside Heights.