February 2011 Celebrate Black History Month in Harlem

Celebrate Black History Month in Harlem, where history, culture, arts, entertainment and cuisine come together. During special evenings throughout February (1, 8, 12, 19, 23 and 28), take advantage of amazing activities that reflect the vibrancy, energy and diversity of the neighborhood.

Kick off Black History Month on February 1 with a trip to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture to celebrate what would be the 109th birthday of great American writer Langston Hughes. Hughes is identified with the Harlem Renaissance, and works like his well-known “Simple” books and his poem “Harlem Sweeties,” about the girls of Harlem’s Sugar Hill, have entered the canon of great American literature. In his honor, the City declared the East 127th Street brownstone where Hughes lived for 20 years, until his death in 1967, a landmark and renamed the block Langston Hughes Place. The evening’s tribute, which starts at 7pm, includes readings, music and special performances. Tickets are $10.

About the Schomburg Center: Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto Rican–born black scholar and activist for African-Americans and Latin Americans of African descent, moved to Harlem in 1891, where he would eventually become an instrumental voice of the Harlem Renaissance. In addition to writing, editing and publishing groundbreaking essays and literature, he was also a collector of relics, including slave narratives and art. The New York Public Library bought Schomburg’s personal collection in 1926 and named him curator of the library's West 135th Street branch. Now known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the library has preserved Schomburg's legacy of documenting the experiences of people with African backgrounds since his death in 1938.

While you’re in the neighborhood: Located in eastern Harlem, the Schomburg Center is close to plenty of delicious dining options to round out your visit. If soul food’s what you crave, try Miss Maude’s Spoonbread Too or Jacob’s Restaurant. Serving French classics like steak frites and coq au vin is Yatenga French Bistro & Bar (the spot is named after a region in the West African country of Burkina Faso). Londel’s Supper Club, meanwhile, offers Creole and American comfort food. And if creative cocktails and live jazz sound appealing, try dinner at Shrine Bar, where patrons quaff libations like the Afro Trip (a take on the Dark & Stormy) or the Roofo-Roofo (Malibu rum, Grand Marnier and a variety of juices).

http://www.nycgo.com/?event=view.article&id=249738

http://www.nycgo.com/?event=view.article&id=250603