Oysters, Hikes, Workshops, Poetry: Black History Month In NYC

NEW YORK CITY — February is Black History Month, and there are many unique events throughout the month hosted by the New York City Parks Department to mark the occasion.

"Black History Month is a time to honor the extraordinary contributions of Black New Yorkers throughout our city, and NYC Parks is proud to mark this month of reflection and celebration with events in every borough,” NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said.

"We invite New Yorkers and visitors to our city to attend one of our unique events — including history walks, craft making, and virtual seminars — as we celebrate the legacies of Black trailblazers, and recognize the achievements that made New York City great.”

Here are some of this month's highlight events:

Hands-on Black History: Oysters!

Parks department says: "Join us as we dive into the history of Black oystermen and the legacy of Thomas Downing, the oyster King of NY! Participants will have the opportunity to create crowns that befit a free Black business owner and stop on the underground railroad, practice oyster filtration, and even investigate the habitats of oysters!"

When: Feb. 1, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Rufus King Park, Queens

Black History Month: Historic Harlem Parks Super Hike

Parks department says: "Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike from Morningside Park through St. Nicholas Park and ending at the Northern tip of Jackie Robinson Park. Learn about the history, geology, and ecology of these beautiful parks."

When: Feb. 8, 12-2 p.m.

Where: Morningside Park, Manhattan

The Harlem African Burial Ground: History Beneath Our Feet

Parks department says: "As a cemetery for free and enslaved Africans from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s, the Harlem African Burial Ground is a sacred site of New York City's early history, and yet for decades the site was forgotten and disrespected. Through tireless research and advocacy, community advocates brought this history to light, and now the New York City Economic Development Corporation is leading efforts to properly memorialize and honor the people buried there. Join the Harlem African Burial Ground Initiative and NYCEDC in conversation to learn about this crucial history, the role of urban planning in historic preservation, and the vision for the future memorial, cultural education center, and mixed-use project planned for the site."

When: Feb. 12, 12-1:30 p.m.

Where: Virtual

Farmhouse Family Day: Fabrics of the Diaspora

Parks department says: "This Black History Month, learn about the history of Western Africa and the Diaspora through the story woven intricately into fabrics. Find your creative resistance by learning about the history art of Adire Eleko, a wax resist dying technique practiced by the Egba People of Yorubaland (Nigeria, Benin and Togo)."

When: Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum, Brooklyn

Black History Month: Science Fiction and the Natural World

Parks department says: "Explore the connection between the natural world and science fiction with this storytelling hike and fire-side chat. Listen to the works of Octavia Butler while walking the trails at dusk. Afterwards, cozy up to the fire and share your thoughts!"

When: Feb. 16, 4:30-6: p.m.

Where: Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Bronx

Mid-Winter Break: Blast Off- Discovering Space and Black History

Parks department says: "Children will explore the solar system, stars, and the future of space and learn of the contributions of Black scientists and astronauts through fun activities, experiments, and games."

When: Feb. 18 and Feb. 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Idlewild Park Environmental Center, Queens

Black History Month: Audre Lorde

Parks department says: "Celebrate Black History Month with the Urban Park Rangers. Join us on the Audre Lorde Walk at Silver Lake Park as we honor the famous poet and draw inspiration from our surroundings as we practice creating our own poetry."

When: Feb. 23, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

Where: Silver Lake Park, Staten Island

See more Parks events this month on the department's Black History Month page.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.