February is not just about cupid and presidential birthdays
(and a groundhog!)–it’s also time to reflect on American history and participate
in Black History Month! New York
has a jam-packed schedule of exciting events for you and your family to learn
about and honor this important month-long celebration. Whether you enjoy music,
plays, the outdoors or dancing, there is guaranteed to be a little something
for everyone. —
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s What Color is My World? Reading
Children’s Museum
of Manhattan
February 8, 4pm
Ages 5 and up
“What Color is My World?” shows how many of our
everyday items were invented by African Americans. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be on hand to the sing the praises of these unsung heroes
responsible for life-saving inventions such as open heart surgery and
microphone technology. Kids will learn to have a greater appreciation for inventors!
Macy’s
Childrens Reading Circle: Li’l Dan, The Drummer Boy: A Civil War Story
Macy’s Herald Square
February
11, 12pm
Ages 4-8
In celebration of artist Romare Bearden, attend a reading of his book, Li’l Dan, The Drummer Boy: A Civil War
Story. Hear the historical tale of a boy who loves to drum and, upon learning
that he and his fellow slaves are now free, has nowhere to go. Follow Li’l
Dan and his friends on their journey to freedom. Included in this free event
will be a collage-making tutorial. Added bonus? When you spend $50 or more in
the Macy’s kids department, your child will receive the book for free!
Meet
Baseball Legend Robert Scott
Children’s Museum
of Manhattan
February 12, 3:00pm
& 4:00pm
Ages 5 and up
Head out to the Children’s Museum
of Manhattan to meet Robert Scott,
former pitcher for the New York Black Yankees and Memphis Red Sox! Talk with
the man who was also part of the Jackie Robinson All-Stars. Afterwards,
children will have the opportunity to design their very own baseball hat.
Kumble Theater of the Performing Arts
Long Island University
– Brooklyn Campus
February
16, 10:15am & 12:15pm
All ages
Something Positive, a musical group composed of dancers,
singers and musicians, bring you a Caribbean Dance Festival in honor of Black
History Month. The group traces the origins of African-American music and dance
from Africa all the way to the Caribbean
islands before making its way to North America. This
breath-taking performance will include dance, music, poetry and storytelling.
Tickets are $7 and can be purchased by emailing performances@communityworksnyc.org
or calling 212-459-1854.
Schomburg Center
for Research in Black Culture
Langston Hughes Auditorium
February
17, 10:30am-12:30pm
Ages 5-18
Ever wonder exactly what it’s like to live and work in the
White House? This National Geographic film follows the life of a photographer
inside the Obama administration’s White House including aboard Air Force One
and directly into the West Wing. Following the film, children can tour the
current exhibit, “The Obama Presidency: A Look Behind the Scenes/Photographs by
Pete Souza Chief Official White House Photographer.” The film and museum
admission are free.
The Big
Onion Walking Tour Presents “Historic Harlem: Celebrating Black History Month”
Corner of 135th Street
and Lenox Ave in front of
the Schomburg Center
February 17, 1pm
February
26, 11am
Enjoy more of this spring-like winter weather and join the
Big Onion’s Black History Month walking tour. Focusing on Harlem,
a guide will walk you through such famous landmarks as Striver’s Row, the
Apollo Theater and the Big Apple Nightclub. Also see other places associated
with such greats as Malcolm X and the Harlem Renaissance! $18 for adults, $15
for seniors, students, active military and members of the Brooklyn Historic
Society.
The
Shadowbox Theatre Presents: “The African Drum”
Various Locations
February 17-March 9, times vary
Ages 4-10
Check out this unique blend of a “shadow puppet-and-people
show!” Children will hear three different African folktales told through a
drummer, storyteller, performers and See-More, the puppet. Find out exactly How
a Turtle Got Its Shell in this music-filled show. Check website for details,
performances will occur in Manhattan,
Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
Tickets are $7.50, early bird $7.
The
African-American Musical Mosaic
Hall of African Peoples, Kaufmann Theater, LeFrak IMAX
Theater
February
18, 12-6pm
The Global Weekend series at the American Museum of Natural History presents:
The African-American Musical Mosaic. Filled with family-friendly events all day
long, children can learn how to play mancala, listen to various types of music
and have a meet-and-greet with music legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, who is
currently advocating adoptees and children in foster care. This event is free
with museum admission.
MetLife
Early Learner Performance: A Celebration of Black History with Calvin Booker
and Friends
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
February 18, 1pm
& 2pm
All ages
Celebrate Black History Month through music when the
Brooklyn Children’s Museum presents Calvin Booker and friends. While listening
to the sounds of blues, jazz, hip hop and traditional African music, Calvin
will teach the dances of the times!
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
February
21, 11:30am & 2:30pm
Ages 5 and under
Learn all about astronaut Mae Jamison, the first African
American woman to explore the solar system! This trailblazing lady will be sure
to inspire all. Children can also create a special craft while at this event.
Swing
Dancing at the Morris-Jumel Mansion
February
21, 11am & 3pm
February 25, 1pm
Get into the swing of Black History Month with free swing
dance lessons at the Morris-Jumel Mansion.
Learn how this legendary dance was created and performed, originally in Harlem.
A tour of the museum and light refreshments will also be included. This is a
free event, but advanced registration is required. Call 212-923-8008.
New
York Parks & Recreation’s Black History Month Celebration
Recreation Center
Fifty-Four
February 24, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Head out to the East 54th Street
Recreation Center for a free celebration of Black History Month! This
fun-filled evening will contain dancing, singing and poetry readings. Don’t
miss a special performance by this center’s youth and adult dance classes,
along with the teen steppers.
