Where to Experience Black Culture in New York State

New York State is home to a rich and diverse culture, ranging from hip-hop and jazz in NYC to the roots of African traditions in Buffalo. It’s a place where you can experience vibrant street art and dance performances, black-owned eateries, and numerous historical sites. With so many destinations, it can be difficult to determine where you should start. To help you, we’ve compiled the ultimate Black cultural experience bucket list for New York State. From events to art and culture, this guide has got you covered to help you experience the best of Black culture in the Empire State.

Sights & Spots

1. SoHo (South of Houston Street), NYC – With its colorful murals and art galleries, SoHo has long been viewed as a mecca of the African diaspora. The area is packed with great places to shop and listen to live music, and is also the birthplace of hip-hop.

2. Little Senegal, Harlem – Home to a large West African community, Little Senegal is one of the oldest African-American neighborhoods in the United States. On 116th Street, you’ll find all kinds of African specialties, from artwork and jewelry to imported handmade clothing.

3. Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem – The only park in the US to be named after the president of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, Marcus Garvey Park provides an immense sense of pride and reinvigoration to the many African-Americans who visit it. Here, you’ll find a cobblestoned promenade, a replica of a 16th-Century Caribbean mansion, and a vast vegetable garden.

4. The Studio Museum in Harlem – Dedicated to the works of African-American artists, the Studio Museum in Harlem is one of the city’s most influential cultural institutions. It features several exhibitions focusing on Black history and culture, from the Harlem Renaissance to the recent Black Lives Matter movement.

5. The Abyssinian Baptist Church, NYC – Founded in 1808 by African-American worshippers, this historic church is renowned for its booming gospel choir and influential sermons.

6. The Buffalo Central Terminal – Located about an hour north of Buffalo, this Art Deco building was designed in 1929 by African-American architect Alpha W. Conner. Inside the terminal, you can see the many artifacts from the city’s historic African-American community that the Buffalo Central Terminal Preservation Society has worked hard to save.

7. Apollo Theater, NYC – Situated in the heart of Harlem, the Apollo Theater is one of the world’s most iconic music venues. From James Brown to Ella Fitzgerald, musical legends have graced its stage and it continues to be a major cultural hub and a representation of Black excellence.

Events & Festivals

1. Afrika Bambaataa CultureShock Festival – Named after the godfather of hip-hop, the Afrika Bambaataa CultureShock Festival is a two-day event hosted in NYC every Labor Day weekend. It features live performances, art installations, and interactive workshops dedicated to showcasing diverse productions from Africa and other countries of the Diaspora.

2. Keeping the Culture Music Festival – An annual showcase of undiscovered musicians, the Keeping the Culture Music Festival takes place in Rochester, NY each summer. It brings together talented acts from across the globe to perform a variety of genres, from jazz and blues to soul and reggae.

3. African Film Festival – A celebration of independence, the African Film Festival is held at the Brooklyn Museum each year. It features screenings of contemporary, classic, and experimental films from filmmakers of the African and African-American diaspora.

4. Taste of Soul – This yearly festival brings together a variety of local vendors who specialize in creative soul food fare. The event typically takes place in various locations around Buffalo, including Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

5. Black Star Film Festival – This annual event takes place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and focuses on works from African-American filmmakers as well as Afro-Caribbean, African, and African-diaspora directors.

Food & Drink

1. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, New Orleans – A renowned Creole restaurant, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is the place to go for tasty, authentic New Orleans cuisine. It’s renowned for its gumbo and red velvet cake, and is associated with the civil rights movement in New Orleans.

2. Sylvia’s Queen of Soul Food, NYC – This restaurant has been serving up delicious home-style southern dishes and soul food-inspired seafood dishes since 1962. Stop in and try their award-winning fried chicken and waffles.

3. Mable’s Smokehouse and Banquet Hall, Brooklyn – Serving up delicious and expertly-smoked BBQ dishes in a classic setting, Mable’s Smokehouse and Banquet Hall is the go-to spot for succulent meats and sides.

4. Red Rooster Harlem, NYC – Located in historic Harlem, Red Rooster Harlem is a popular restaurant from celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. The menu is a delicious blend of soul food flavors and seasonal ingredients.

5. Lucille’s Southern Kitchen, Buffalo – This restaurant specializes in classic southern cooking with an urban edge. From fried green tomatoes to Louisiana-style jambalaya, Lucille’s Southern Kitchen serves up top-notch soul food that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the deep south.

Shopping

1. Brooklyn Craft Central, Brooklyn – Brooklyn Craft Central is the go-to spot for African-inspired wares, including clothing, jewelry, and artwork. From handmade jewelry to silk scarves, this store has something for everyone.

2. The Lower East Side Girl’s Club, NYC – Founded by a group of African-American women in 2011, the Lower East Side Girl’s Club is a wonderful spot to pick up ethically-made accessories and clothing sourced primarily from east coast vendors.

3. Rubulad, Brooklyn – Located in the Bushwick area, Rubulad is an eclectic bazaar-style shop that carries apparel, jewelry, and artwork from up-and-coming Black designers.

4. Do or Dye, Harlem – This treasure chest of a store stocks vintage clothing with a focus on African-American style. Think funky shirts, wide leg trousers, and body-hugging leather.

New York State is a place bursting with vibrant African-American culture and traditions. From the streets of Harlem to the cozy cafes in Buffalo, it’s a great place to experience Black culture in an up-close and personal way. There’s no shortage of activities, sights, and experiences to discover, and this guide is a great starting point to help you explore the best of what the Empire State has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out in SoHo, a soul food feast in Harlem, or a shopping trip to Brooklyn, there’s no time like the present to get to know the African-American culture of New York State!