Roosevelt Island celebrated Black History Month earlier this month with a February 8 presentation of art, poetry reading, music and dance at Gallery RIVAA. Among the wonderful performances were poetry readings by:

Take a look and listen.

Roosevelt Island Black History Month Celebration continues on Saturday February 22. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp ( RIOC ):

The R.I. Youth Center will host its 2nd Annual Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 22nd at 4 PM inside the multipurpose room located at Sportspark (250 Main Street). The free event will explore pieces from the recent New York Times article: The 1619 Project, and how this event still has an impact on African American culture today. Through live performances, artwork and poetry, participants of the youth center will explore important points of African American history, highlighting their struggle for freedom and equality while also showcasing their many accomplishments. This event is open to the public.

Here are more scenes from the February 8 Roosevelt Island Black History Month Celebration – The 1619 Project: Still Marginalized at Gallery RIVAA – including more music and dance. Beginning with an introduction by program curator Lorraine Williams

Remarks by RIOC President Susan Rosenthal.

Local resident Beatrice Ajaero performs the Black National Anthem Black National Anthem – Lift Every Voice And Sing

Performances by Rahman & Co., – The Children of Ancient Mother Africa, A Branch of The Ancient Tree 1619 2019, African music and dance of Senegal & Old Mali West Africa.

Gallery RIVAA’s Black History Month art exhibit

is running through March 1. The Roosevelt Island Gallery RIVAA exhibit was inspired by the August 2019 NY Times Magazine 1619 Project examining the legacy of slavery. Watch these videos to learn more.