Content Creator Cheyenne M. Davis' Guide to Black-Owned New York City
As a Greater NYC–area creative and educator, whose work is rooted in social justice and Black, fat liberation, my passion is to find explorative ways to combine my love of building safe spaces for all Black people with my lived experience as a fat, Black, non-binary, and queer femme-presenting person. Although my experiences in my personhood can be challenging, I am thankful to live in New York City, a place which has provided me with many opportunities to connect with fellow Black creatives. Here, with the help of fellow NYC-based content creators and influencers, I share experiences and tips for those looking to visit and support Black-owned businesses in New York City.
Where to stay in NYC
Each of New York’s five boroughs is characterized by its own unique rhythms, flavors, and cultures. Although there’s a benefit to staying in a prime location such as Times Square, venturing into other neighborhoods will give you a different perspective of the city—and they’re only a hop and a skip away from all the major sights.
For an area that has a wonderful mix of eateries and bars, consider Harlem or cross the river and stay in Downtown Brooklyn and its surrounding neighborhoods. Alternatively, for an area that’s teeming with nightlife, art galleries, shopping, and an array of fun things to do, consider Midtown—especially in Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, or the Meatpacking District—where you’ll find many opportunities for a well-rounded NYC experience, from foodie experiences to filming location tours.
Related: 15 Must-See New York City Neighborhoods and How To Visit
For folks looking for a quieter, more intimate getaway, Franklin Forbes—the owner of the BIPOC Business directory Blistey—recommends venturing out to Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn and staying at one of his favorite spots: the Akwaaba Mansion. A Black-owned luxury bed-and-breakfast, this 1860s Italianate villa boasts four guest rooms with private baths and various amenities, including afternoon tea and a filling Southern breakfast—a pleasant start to a day of NYC sightseeing.
Insider tip: Navigating NYC’s different areas can be a bit intimidating at first, but the city offers many modes of transportation—including the subway—so getting around can actually be an adventure.
Where to eat and drink in NYC
Finding food and drink in NYC is never a problem in the city that never sleeps. On days where you’re in need of a self-care meal, stop by Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem (on 114th Street at Frederick Douglass Avenue) for some comforting soul food. The oxtail, rice and peas, and collard greens with a side of yams, served in the restaurant’s warm, welcoming, and homey atmosphere, instantly transports me straight to childhood dinners at my grandmother’s house. Afterwards, take a downtown ride on the B and F trains and satisfy your sweet tooth at Kinky’s Dessert Bar, an adult-only, sex-positive dessert bar on Orchard Street that offers fun flavors and vegan options.
Alternatively, follow the advice of Marcos Martinez, the founder of the Black, gay lifestyle blog Men Who Brunch. He recommends stopping by Brunch Harlem (on West 119th Street) for their shrimp and grits. “What I love about the restaurant is that it's a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. There are drag brunches and other types of LGBTQIA+ events hosted at the restaurant,” he explains.
A favorite Brooklyn spot to check out is the Natural Blend (located on Malcolm X Boulevard and Halsey Street), a café that cofounder and CEO of Frisky Whiskey and TV lifestyle expert Nicole Young says, “really embodies the true nature of Caribbean cuisine: fruit and vegetable-forward food and natural juice blends.” She recommends the ackee and saltfish. “It’s almost as good as my mom's; it's got all the flavor and spice you'd expect without being too salty, which, if you're familiar with this dish, you know is not an easy balance to strike."
What to see and do in NYC
For me, part of having a true New York experience is doing things that are geared towards local tastes. Seeing Off-Broadway plays, exploring speakeasies, and immersing yourself in cultural events is a great way to start to really understand the city. For those seeking more education around Black culture in NYC, visit the various Black history and culture sites around the city such as the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, the Louis Armstrong House Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art.
Or, time your visit around important cultural events, such as the International African Arts Festival, an annual Brooklyn-based event first held in 1971 that highlights and celebrates the traditions and modernized expressions of several African cultures. (Dates vary, but the festival always takes place in the summer.) Another good option is the Bronx Night Market, an event that takes place monthly from April to October and features a myriad of food and drink options that are representative of NYC’s cultural richness and diversity.
Other Black-owned businesses in NYC
For shopping, head to Brooklyn and visit the Black, queer-owned shop BLK MKT Vintage. This antique and vintage shop in Stuyvesant Heights (on the corner of Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Decatur Street) hosts a unique collection of collectibles and curios that highlight the essence of everyday Blackness and our history.
If you’re looking to move your body, take social media manager Mariah Morrison’s advice and head to Sevaa Brooklyn, a nearby yoga and movement studio. “It’s a Black woman–owned wellness boutique that is an intimate setting with a relaxing ambiance,” she says. “The instructors challenge you while encouraging you to feel in a way that feels comfortable for your body.” (Make sure to book ahead; all classes require pre-registration.)
Black history in NYC
New York City, at its core, is heavily influenced by the innovations and revolutionary work of Black people. This work has imbued every period of the city’s history, from the fight for liberation during the Slave Revolt of 1712 to the monumental activism of trans women and queer folk (such as Marsha P. Johnson), who have paved the way for Pride and queer and trans rights. The community’s contribution to the city’s (and world’s) culture includes everything from the groundbreaking creativity of Black artists, musicians, writers, actors, and others during the Harlem Renaissance to the birth of hip-hop at Cedar Playground in the Bronx.
Despite these feats, Black people still face a lot of oppression and discrimination, especially in the form of racism, gentrification, and financial inequities. But the legacies of our ancestors live on through continued work, education, and social justice, as well as cultural movements led by Black activists, artists, and community leaders. This includes protests; continued conversations on bail reform and the prison-industrial complex; the influence of rap and Brooklyn drill music through artists such as Maiya the Don and Ice Spice; and the city’s various Black history cultural centers, museums, and other institutions. And then there’s Carver Bank (one of the largest African- and Caribbean-American managed banks in the United States), which dedicates its resources to assisting Black and further marginalized people who have historically been disenfranchised from accessing capital and generating wealth.
More ways to explore New York City
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