The Black Experience in NYC
Black culture is integral to the identity of NYC, the city with the largest Black population in the US. Its influence can be felt across the five boroughs in world-renowned music and style, a celebrated food scene, the visual and performing arts and all those who lead the charge to keep the City progressive, resilient and safe. With this content series, we spotlight, celebrate and amplify New York City’s Black experience and the community whose cultural contributions reverberate around the globe.
WATCH: A Glimpse into Black Culture in NYC
With a global footprint encompassing the entire Black diaspora—including people from the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, South America and the US— and countless affinity groups and experiences, the Black community in NYC boasts its own cultural nuances that enrich the City’s diversity and provide an experience like none other. Find the individual photos (with captions and credits) shown in this video here.
CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
Read about the people, restaurants, festivals and cultural institutions making news today.
African Restaurants in NYC
These eight restaurants, representing countries from Senegal to Nigeria to Somalia, do justice to the many flavors of African food.
Lit Brooklyn Interview
Williams-Clarke puts wellness and community at the forefront of her buzzy candle and fragrance brand, Lit Brooklyn.
Neon Christina Q&A
Christopher Udemezue, better known as Neon Christina, brings together culture and queer identity through a variety of arts platforms.
Black Chefs You Should Know
Meet the culinary geniuses revolutionizing the City’s dining experience.
The Green Book: Candacy Taylor Q&A
Discover the New York City origins of The Green Book, a guide to safe spaces for Black travelers in the Jim Crow era.
Q&A with Chef Preston Clark
The son of the first Black chef to win a James Beard Award has made his own mark in New York City.
West Indian Day Parade Photo Essay
For a century, this festive event has brought together NYC’s extensive Caribbean community.
Kwame Onwuachi Profile
The award-winning chef talks Tatiana, The Family Reunion and how NYC keeps inspiring him.
10 Apollo Theater Hip-Hop Moments
Harlem’s famous stage has been the site of landmark performances by Salt-N-Pepa, Lil Wayne and other hip-hop stars.
NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES
Explore these NYC neighborhoods that are brimming with Black culture and Black-owned businesses.
Black-Owned Crown Heights Itinerary
Explore Black-owned restaurants, shops and cultural spots in this lively neighborhood.
Black-Owned Harlem Itinerary
Make an itinerary out of visiting Black-owned restaurants, shops and cultural spots in this vibrant and historic Manhattan neighborhood.
Black-Owned Flatbush Itinerary
Make an itinerary out of visiting Black-owned venues and attractions in this culturally rich Brooklyn neighborhood.
Black-Owned Bed-Stuy Itinerary
Make an itinerary out of visiting Black-owned venues and attractions in this historic Brooklyn neighborhood.
Black-Owned Jamaica Itinerary
Spend a few days visiting Black-owned restaurants, bars and cultural attractions in this vibrant Queens neighborhood.
BLACK ART EXHIBITIONS IN NYC
See historic murals, underappreciated works and private collections of famous Black artists on display across the City.
Harlem Hospital Murals
The restored WPA murals are on view at Harlem Hospital Center.
Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
An exploration of dandyism across the Black diaspora takes center stage at the Met's Costume Institute.
Above Ground
Explore this showcase of graffiti's evolution over the past 50 years at the Museum of the City of New York.
LOVE LETTERS
Read these heartfelt dedications to the city from New Yorkers across the five boroughs.
TIER Love Letter
The creator of NYC clothing brand TIER remembers his time growing up in Downtown Brooklyn.
Rondel Holder’ Letter to NYC
Brooklynite and world traveler Rondel Holder takes to heart the job of celebrating the Black experience in NYC.
Sade Lythcott’s Letter to NYC
Harlem is poetic inspiration for theater luminary Sade Lythcott and her love of NYC.
Tenicka B.’s Letter to NYC
Harlem resident Tenicka Boyd celebrates her neighborhood’s, and the City’s, food, culture, history and creativity.
Dondre Green’s Letter to NYC
Growing up in the Bronx shaped photographer Dondre Green’s idea and vision of community.
Felice León’s Love Letter to NYC
Queens native Felice León finds much to admire in the City’s resilience and creative spirit—and also in its flaws.
RISING STARS OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY
These creatives and entrepreneurs represent NYC and shape Black culture in the city. Learn more about their stories.
Rising Stars: Cynthia Gordy Giwa and Tayo Giwa
The couple behind Black-Owned Brooklyn find inspiration in their Bed-Stuy community—and each other.
Rising Star: Imani Ellis
Ellis grew a potluck dinner into a thriving community of Black professionals.
Rising Star: Brandi Cheyenne Harper
What’s next for this artist and teacher? Making knitting more accessible and creating more regenerative spaces.
Rising Star: Sola Olosunde
A passion for history and culture have helped Olosunde make his name as a city documentarian.
Rising Star: Jeff Lindor
His business incubator, the Gentlemen’s Factory, helps Black and Brown entrepreneurs collaborate and succeed.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Find additional inspiration and ways to explore Black culture in New York City.
Black History and Culture Sites
Check out landmarks and venues across the five boroughs that help tell the story of Black history.
Black-Owned Bookstores in NYC
Explore these four Black-owned bookstores with selections that showcase the cultural diversity of New York City.
Free Black Communities in NYC
Across the five boroughs, a handful of Black communities thrived before the Civil War.
Brooklyn’s Underground Railroad Sites
These locations in Brooklyn have historical significance in the movement of freedom for Black people.
Wine and Hip-Hop Festival Q&A
We talk to entrepreneur Jermaine Stone, the festival’s founder, about the unlikely pairing of his twin passions.
Q&A with Afrochella’s Abdul Karim Abdullah
The creator of one of Ghana’s premier cultural festivals is a Bronx native.
Kerry Coddett on How NYC Inspires Her
Actor, writer, stand-up comic and activist Kerry Coddett keeps Brooklyn at the center of everything she does.
5 Artists Who Competed at Amateur Night
As the famous live competition restarts, we spotlight some contemporary artists who launched their careers on the Apollo stage.
Kamilah Forbes on How NYC Inspires Her
The Apollo Theater’s executive producer discusses her theater and film experience and where the cultural institution she leads is headed.
Interview with Caribbeing’s Shelley Worrell
The founder of Caribbeing and Little Caribbean shares her passion for Brooklyn’s Caribbean community.
Restaurants in NYC's Black Culinary Diaspora
These restaurants showcase the diversity within the Black diaspora in NYC through food from all over the world.
Interview with Designer Fe Noel
Brooklyn-based designer Fe Noel has been setting trends since her teenage years.
Good Co. Bike Club Interview
Co-founder of a Brooklyn biking club talks how the pandemic inspired a community space for Black cyclists in the City
Afro-Latino Explainer
Bronx-born Dominican Jess Matos shares her perspective on the term Afro-Latino.
Black Tech Founders Restaurant Collab
These Black Tech Founders Support Black-owned Restaurants in NYC
Culture of the Bronx
Bronx-born Jamaican Topaz Smith shares how the borough and its diverse communities shaped who she is today.
She Did That. Holiday Bazaar
Renae Bluitt’s pop-up market is one of many forums she provides for Black female business owners in NYC.