Gotham Gazette

The Place for New York Policy and politics

Black History

Black History

  • The Continual Discovery of Our City’s Past, in Black History Month and Beyond

    (photo: Edwin J. Torres/Mayoral Photography Office)

    Black History Month (photo: Edwin J. Torres/Mayoral Photography Office)


    Each February, we celebrate the achievements of towering singular figures — icons who paved the way for Black Americans to have a more just and dignified existence in the United States. Indeed, they should be lauded for their accomplishments, but we must also remember the innumerable people whose experiences constitute the whole of Black histories.  

    There are many nonprofits that promote and preserve New York City’s rich cultural

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  • A Black Agenda for New York City

    crystal hudson with voters

    Crystal Hudson, middle, with voters (photo: Crystal Hudson campaign)


    We’re nearing the end of Black History Month — a month of celebrating and honoring the Black people who have enriched and advanced our city. From Audre Lorde to Shirley Chisolm, we have no shortage of artists, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers to celebrate.

    We’re also nearing the end of another February in America. A month in which we continue to see Black people die at the hands of the police at alarming

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  • Daughters of the Movement, Carrying On

    daughters stacy lynch

    Stacy Lynch, the author (photo: @lynchfornyc7)


    Growing up in Harlem as the daughter of Bill Lynch, the mastermind behind David Dinkins’ campaign to become the first Black mayor of New York, public service is in my DNA. Watching him put together coalitions, something he began working with farm workers in the potato fields of eastern Long Island, has stayed with me throughout my career in law and government.

    That legacy carries with it the obligation to pay it forward in trying to improve the lives of all of our neighbors. It is why I

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  • Juneteenth Arrives Amid Resurgence of Black Lives Matter Movement

    Black History Month at Gracie Mansion

    A Black History Month celebration at Gracie Mansion (photo: Rob Bennett/Mayor's Office)


    Activists plan to utilize Juneteenth, which each June 19 commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, as a way to continue momentum behind the Black Lives Matter movement. Advocates, Black elected officials, candidates for office, and others will rally, protest, and celebrate with events around the city, in continuation of the uprising reignited after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

    “Black joy is an act of resistance,” said Natasha

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  • Teaching Black History in Our Schools

    blackpantherchallenge

    Senator Jesse Hamilton, the author (middle)


    Last summer, I hosted a hackathon for middle school students at Medgar Evers College. Picture 40 enthusiastic young people ready to learn about coding, computer science, and technology, along with CodeEd educators and the welcoming college staff.

    In an effort to be as educational as possible, I like to do a little history quiz when we host young people. My quiz features questions like, “Who was the first African-American woman elected to Congress?” That day, I asked, “Who was Medgar Evers?” Silence.

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