Events throughout Battery Park City and across the five boroughs highlight month-long celebration
Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape our nation. Black History Month celebrates Black Americans’ rich cultural heritage and triumphs, which are an indelible part of our history. The month centers on a different theme each year – a theme that impacts the lives of African Americans.
In 2024, Black History Month examines the varies history and life of African American arts and artisans. This year’s theme, African Americans and the Arts, will celebrate the arts of the past, present, and future. African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences.
In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the Black Arts, Black Renaissance, Hip-Hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world.
Here in Battery Park City, we’re honored to include in our collection of permanent public art the work of Martin Puryear, one of the most acclaimed artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. You can see his work, Pylons, near Esplanade Plaza just south of the BPC Ferry Terminal. Also, currently on display along the Esplanade Plaza wall, three stained-glass medallions tell an allegorical story of justice in America called Justice Reflected by Artist James “Yaya” Hough. African American art and culture is also highlighted throughout the year in BPCA’s park programs and partnerships. Coming up this month:
BPCA Events
CHEF TALK: Denzell Washington – Thursday, February 15, 6:30-8PM
In celebration of Black History Month, Chef Denzell Washington, industry professional and Food Network’s Chopped finalist, will share stories and offer a small taste of his unique culinary journey and point of view.
BPC BOOK CLUB – Tuesday, February 27, 1-2PM
Drop by the BPC Community Room at 200 Rector Place for a discussion of well-regarded contemporary works. Each session will feature questions and talking points to help readers further connect to the story. For February, attendees will discuss The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. This novel takes readers into the lives of the people who live on Chicken Hill, a neighborhood of “ramshackle houses and dirt roads where the town’s Blacks, Jews, and immigrant whites who couldn’t afford any better lived.”
NYC Events
– Smithsonian – Black History Month | February 2024: African Americans and the Arts
– The Schomburg Center – 16th Annual Black History Month Celebration
– New York Public Library – Black History Month at NYPL Events
– New York City Department of Parks & Recreation – Black History in NYC Parks
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