LIFESTYLE

Black History Month 2024

February 1, 2024

February is Black History Month, which brings many opportunities to celebrate and uplift the incredible achievements of Black and African American artists, activists and communities. Supporting black-owned businesses, admiring the creative works of talented black artists and authors, or seeking educational experiences, we want to share a few of the many happenings on our radar as we celebrate.

Events + Experiences

Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

UNCF Black History Month Walk for Education and HBCU Homecoming Festival in Tampa, Florida

Ailey Extension’s Celebrating Black History on Broadway: Camille A. Brown

Ailey Extension’s Celebrating Black History on Broadway: The Lion King

Harlem Fine Arts Show 3-Day Arts and Culture Festival

“We Are Art”: A Black History Month X Fashion Week Exhibit in Chelsea Market

Flushing Town Hall’s Music and Dance Black History Month Trilogy Series

Harlem Chamber Singers’ Black History Month Concert at Brooklyn Public Library

Art in the Parks Honoring the Black Experience

“Baldwin, From Page to Screen” Film Screenings at The Metrograph

Books

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

“The Color Purple” is a novel that explores themes of resilience, female empowerment, and the transformative power of love as it follows the protagonist, Celie, through her journey of overcoming oppression and discovering her own strength. Watch the film adaptation of this book as well! Learn more.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

“Their Eyes Were Watching God” is a novel that explores the themes of self-discovery, love, and independence as Janie Crawford navigates through three marriages and strives to define her own identity in the face of societal expectations and racial and gender norms. Learn more.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

This novel delves into themes of trauma, motherhood, the haunting legacy of slavery, and the quest for individual and collective identity in post-Civil War America. Learn more.

Women, Race and Class by Angela Davis

“Women, Race & Class” is an educational book that examines the intricate intersections of gender, race, and class, challenging conventional feminist narratives and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of women’s struggles for equality. Learn more.

Vegan Soul Kitchen by Bryant Terry 

“Bryant Terry’s Vegan Soul Kitchen” is a cookbook offering recipes and explorations of plant-based cuisine rooted in African American culinary traditions, promoting health, sustainability, and cultural celebration. Learn more.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett explores the intertwined lives of identical twin sisters who choose different racial paths, addressing themes of identity, family, and the enduring impact of choices on multiple generations. Learn more.

Images courtesy of Dept of Culture + Kokomo

Restaurants

Dept of Culture

Nigerian Fine Dining Prix-Fixe in Bed-Stuy

Awash

Ethiopian casual dining in the East Village + Upper West Side

Kokomo

Caribbean Upscale Brunch + Bar in Williamsburg

TATIANA

Afro-Caribbean Fine Dining in the Upper West Side

Chocolat

Southern American Comfort Brunch + Bar in Harlem

Urban Vegan Kitchen

Vegan Soul Food in Greenwich Village

Taste of Heaven

Classic Southern Comfort Food in Williamsburg

Images courtesy of Golde, OUI the People + Briogeo

Beauty + Wellness Brands

Eadem

A skincare brand perfect for hyperpigmentation

Bevel

A skincare + grooming brand perfect for men

OUI the People

A body care brand perfect for antiaging

Danessa Myricks Beauty

An all-inclusive makeup brand with a large variety of shades

Golde

A wellness brand perfect for stocking up on all your superfood essentials

Pat McGrath Labs

A high-quality makeup with vibrant color options

Briogeo

A hair care brand perfect for natural + clean products

Topicals

A more youth-focused, playful skincare brand

Fashion Brands

Daily Paper

The perfect shop for stocking up on your outerwear or streetwear

A-Cold-Wall

A haute couture brand with statement jackets, vests, and knitwear

House of Aama

An elegant brand with beautiful and vibrant dresses, blouses, and skirts

Martine Rose

A 90s style brand perfect for finding your next party outfit

Solely Fit

Solely Fit is the place to shop for all your activewear essentials

Brother Vellies 

The perfect shop if you’re searching for a fun pair of shoes or statement accessories

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