Roosevelt island’s RIVAA Gallery (527 Main Street) is celebrating Black History Month with an exhibition titled “Essence Crations” from February 2 – February 26. You’re invited to the exhibition’s opening reception on Saturday, February 4 from 6 – 9 PM.

According to RIVAA Gallery:

Beginning February 2, 2023 RIVAA Gallery will present work by a diverse group of artists for Black History Month.

The exhibition Essence Crations focuses on positive and creative expression in the visual arts.

Curated by Lorraine Williams, the exhibition includes the Pax Rawanda Embroideries with Juliana Meehan, Andrew Nichols, Ida Owens, Albert Dpas, Mona Coichy Haigler, Aziza and others.

We look forward to welcoming you either to our opening reception on February 4, from 6-9 or anytime throughout the exhibition which remains open until February 27, 2023.

“Essence Creations” Thursday, February 2, 2023 – Sunday, February 26, 2023

Reception: Saturday, February 4, from 6-9 pm, 2023

Hours: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am -5 pm Wednesday and Friday from 6-9 pm

CBS New York interviews Dr. Damion L. Thomas, curator of the Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History about Black History Month. According to Mr Thomas:

… Black History Month started as black history week. It was founded by Carter G Woodson
in 1926. He chose a week in February because it also encapsulated the
birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass which were two days African Americans
have been celebrating going back to the 19th century. So for 50 years it
was a week long celebration. Then in 1976 as the nation was celebrating its
200th anniversary, people decided that this week long celebration should
encompass the entire month of February….

… We can trace African American history in New York all the way back to the period of
enslavement. Many people dont realize that by 1700 New York had more enslaved people than any
of the other colonies. Most of the enslaved in New York worked as domestics and maids and butlers. Some of them worked on the dock, unloading ships. New York
abolished slavery in 1827, which was quite late for some of the northern states which had already taken that step
including places like Massachusetts….

Here’s more on African American history in New York City

and an interesting interview about the 1619 Project with journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones.

UPDATE 2/13 – Scenes from the RIVAA Gallery Black History Month Essence Crations exhibition opening reception.