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Celebrate Black History Month at These 20 NYC Events

By  Julia Bottles Katie Honan and Dartunorro Clark | January 19, 2017 1:44pm | Updated on February 1, 2017 2:51pm

 Art historian and activist Kellie Jones (l) will discuss her career and activism with blogger Kimberly Drew (r) at the Brooklyn Historical Society as part of Black History Month.
Art historian and activist Kellie Jones (l) will discuss her career and activism with blogger Kimberly Drew (r) at the Brooklyn Historical Society as part of Black History Month.
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John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation/Lyndsy Welgos

The home of the Harlem Renaissance and the first black woman elected to Congress will honor, remember and examine Black History Month this February.

There's a packed schedule of events including lectures, readings, exhibitions, and dance and music performances across New York City. Click here to jump to a specific borough: ManhattanQueensBrooklynThe BronxStaten Island 

MANHATTAN

► 'I Am Not Your Negro' Screening

Where: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd., Harlem
When: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m.

The Schomburg Center is hosting a screening of the Oscar-nominated film, “I Am Not Your Negro,” which, working from the text of James Baldwin’s unfinished final novel, “Remember This House,” recounts the lives and successive assassinations of his friends, Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr., and highlights what it means to be black in America.

Black Power Poetry Slam/Open Mic Edition

Where: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd., Harlem
When: Friday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m.

This special edition of the Schomburg Center's First Fridays will combine DJ and open mic sets in a kickoff to the Black Power 50 exhibitions. To Whom We May Concern, Ras Heru, Backdraft and Bernadette Barnes will be some of the performers. This event is free, and first come, first served.

► Apollo Open House

Where: Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., Harlem
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 to 6 p.m.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Apollo Theater will host an afternoon of programming at the legendary theater, to give residents and visitors a unique and free glimpse at the Apollo’s history and current programs. There will also be performances by multiple “Amateur Night” winners Tiffany Obi and De’von Williams Jiles, among other events.

Black Lives Matter Teen Conference

Where: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd., Harlem
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.

Teens in grades five through 12 are invited to join in this day-long conference on the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on youth. The day will include youth-led panel discussions, teach-ins and interactive arts workshops. This event is sold out but the Schomburg Center says that it will release registered seats that have not been claimed 15 to 30 minutes before the program starts.

► Get In the Way: The Journey of John Lewis

Where: Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., Harlem
When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m.

This discussion will focus on the lasting influences of civil rights icon and Rep. John Lewis' commitment to social justice, human rights and civil rights with a documentary screening. The discussion will focus on the next generation of activists.

Art Inspired By...An African Artist

Where: Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center, 232 W. 60th St., Upper West Side
When: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The Art Inspired By series teaches an artist or technique that students can then draw inspiration from. This Black History Month inspired workshop will include art techniques inspired by an African artist. This event is free, but a RSVP is required.

Between the Lines: Adrian Miller 

Where: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd., Harlem
When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Author Adrian Miller will discuss and sign copies of his book "The President's Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of the African-Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families from the Washingtons to the Obamas." 

► AFROPUNK Unapologetically Black: The African American Songbook Remixed

Where: Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., Harlem
When: Saturday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.

The Apollo Theater will host a concert featuring an all-star band with special performances by artists Bilal, Toshi Reagon, Robert Glasper and Staceyann Chin to pay homage to black protest music. Tickets range from $33 to $128.

QUEENS

The Genius of Geoffrey Holder

Where: Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, Miller Gallery, 161-04 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica
When: Starts Wednesday, Feb. 1

The work of actor, choreographer, designer and director Geoffrey Holder is being presented by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. This exhibition is on through May 30.

 Black History Month Celebration in Corona

Where: Elmcor, 107-20 Northern Blvd., Corona
​When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m.

Celebrate Black History Month with performances and a dinner. Awards will also be given to leaders from the community. The event is sponsored by Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, and admission is free.

► George Washington Carver Workshop

Where: Queens Botanical Garden, 42-80 Crommeline Ave., Flushing
When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Learn how plants played an important role in the life and career of Dr. George Washington Carver. Following the botanist and inventor's recipe, kids will also learn to create a healing lotion they can take home. The event costs $6 per child.

BROOKLYN

Black Voices, Black Art: Upending Convention with Kellie Jones and Kimberly Drew

Where: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn Heights
When: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7 to 9 p.m.

Join art historian, curator and MacArthur Genius Award-winner Kellie Jones as she discusses her career and activism with blogger Kimberly Drew, also known as @museummammy. Tickets are $10 or $5 for members.

Fiction by Black Writers: Who Are the Readers?

Where: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn Heights
When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

This panel will discuss assumptions the predominantly white publishing industry makes about black literature and its marketability. Essence Magazine book editor Patrik Henry Bass, Random House's One World editor-in-chief Chris Jackson, Authors's Guild president Roxana Robinson, and Akashic Books editorial director Ibrahim Ahmad will join Dr. Elizabeth Nunez for this panel discussion. Tickets are $10 and $5 for members.

Black History Month Celebration

Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., Downtown Brooklyn
When: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6 to 9 p.m.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adam is hosting a celebration of African-American art, dance and music for the fourth year in a row. There will be dinner and beverages served while supplies last. You can RSVP online or by calling 718-802-3717.

Black History Month Trolley Tour

Where: Green-Wood Cemetery (meet inside the main gate at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue), Greenwood Heights
When: Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

This trolley ride will stop at the graves of significant figures in African-American history who are buried in Green-Wood Cemetary before heading to the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights, site of one of the largest free black communities before the Civil War. A boxed lunch will be provided. The tour is $40, $35 for members. Reservations are required 

THE BRONX

Birthplace of Hip-Hop Tours

Where: Starts in Midtown before traveling to various location in Manhattan and The Bronx
When: Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays

Check out sites important to hip-hop legends Big L, Kool Herc and more on this bus tour that introduces you to the birthplace of the genre. Advanced booking is required.

Dance Performance

Where: Bronx Community College, Roscoe Brown Student Center, Hall of Fame Playhouse, 2155 University Ave., University Heights
When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 12 to 2 p.m.

Watch students of the Dance Workshop perform an exploration of the African Diaspora choreographed by Professor Kevin Cooper.  

STATEN ISLAND

Black Literature Read Out Loud

Where: Wagner Union Atrium, Wagner College, 1 Campus Road, Grymes Hill
When: Thursday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This reading will include works by authors of African descent.

Black Jacks: African American Seamen in the Age of Sail

Where: Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Livingston
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 to 4 p.m.

Author Dr. Jeffrey Bolster will give a lecture about the critical historical role played by African-American sailors in the 19th century to celebrate Black History Month.

12th Annual Tribute to Black Music

Where: Campus Hall Music Performance Center, Wagner College, 1 Campus Road, Grymes Hill
When: Tuesday, Feb. 22, 9 to 11 p.m.

Enjoy spirituals, gospel, blues, jazz, funk and soul performed by groups from Wagner College, faculty and soloists in this celebration of African-American composers.