Interview: Paul Moakley of the Alice Austen House Museum

Author and former journalist Diane Cardwell and CEO of the NYC chapter of the Black Surfing Association Lou Harris provide their unique perspectives and experiences being a part of the Black surf community in the Rockaways, Queens.

There is a small but longstanding community of Black cowboys in NYC. Hear from Dr. George E. Blair—a 90-year-old descendant of the Buffalo soldiers—who produced an all-Black cowboy rodeo in Harlem for over 30 years and continues to teach New Yorkers how to ride horses in his New York Riding Academy on Randall’s Island.

Yannick Lebrun and Caroline Dartey are dancers with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater who emigrated from French Guiana and Switzerland, respectively, to pursue their dreams. Lebrun has been dancing with the theater company for almost 15 years, while Dartey is just starting her journey. Both enjoy the sense of community and freedom of expression that exists with being a professional dancer in New York City.

In late summer of 2021, tennis fans flocked to Queens for the triumphant return of the US Open Tennis Championships. The two-week sporting event—one of the biggest in NYC since the start of the pandemic—was a win, in more ways than one.

On the Brooklyn side of the iconic span from Lower Manhattan to Dumbo sits Brooklyn Bridge Park, a breathtaking 85-acre oasis along the East River. Laura caught up with people taking in the sunshine, marveling at the skyline and enjoying the local vibe—and their smiles said it all.

Seasoned thespians and casual theatergoers agree: Broadway’s big comeback is like nothing they’ve ever experienced. Laura met some lucky audience members outside a recent performance of <em>Moulin Rouge</em>! for their take on the experience.

Just steps from the ferry terminal in Staten Island is one of the City’s biggest shopping destinations: Empire Outlets. Locals and visitors have been loving the journey across New York Harbor to the abundance of retailers on the North Shore.

In New York City, lush nature and vibrant attractions often complement one another. Such is the case at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, where Laura met visitors taking in the sculptures of Yayoi Kusama amid some gorgeous weather.

The intersection of cultures, music, food and styles creates an unparalleled Latino experience in the five boroughs.

It's Time For Manhattan

It's Time For Queens

It's Time For Staten Island

It's Time For The Bronx

NYC Local Legends: DJ Spynfo in Mott Haven

In this episode, Hector Espinal Jr., co-founder of the running club We Run Uptown (WRU Crew), takes us around his Washington Heights neighborhood.

With the new film "Epicenter," Black Gotham Experience and the NYC Public Design Commission celebrate and uncover City Hall history.