Center the Culture: Celebrating Black History Month at The Center

Happy Black History Month!

This month and every day, The Center works to celebrate, support, and amplify Black LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. We know Black LGBTQ+ people have been neglected throughout history. Therefore, we’re intentionally making space at The Center for affirmation. Because racism and homophobia continue to impact these members of our community, we’re prioritizing creating opportunities for Black joy, connection, and health & wellness.

Meeting the Need

The Center is a multiservice nonprofit organization and safe space. We provide social support, recovery services, HIV & AIDS services, youth programming, arts & cultural programs, career readiness, and more. As the second-largest LGBTQ+ community center in the country, we’re also a special event venue, meeting & gathering space, and a hub for LGBTQ+ activism and advocacy.  

With everything we offer and our decades-long history as a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ culture, we’re well-positioned to ensure Black LGBTQ+ people have access to the programs, services, spaces, and support they need.

Centering Black LGBTQ+ people

• In 2019, we held our first queer Juneteenth celebration. The first celebration was virtual due to COVID-19, but since then, we’ve welcomed thousands of Black LGBTQ+ New Yorkers to celebrate Juneteenth in person at our block party.
• We’ve centered the needs of Black LGBTQ+ people in our Substance Use Recovery program.
• In 2021, we launched our Activist in Residence Fellowship to support established and emerging Black activists with bold, cutting-edge ideas to advance LGBTQ+ rights in New York State. 
• We’ve committed to supporting and amplifying small businesses owned by Black LGBTQ+ people.
• In 2022, we announced our values and Centered Communities — LGBTQ+ people who have been neglected or harmed by racism, transphobia, sexism, and poverty.
• We’ve invested in embedding racial equity into everything we do — a process that includes adopting more equitable practices in hiring, compensation, leadership, advancement, and org-wide transparency.
• In 2023, The Center announced that Dr. Carla Smith would become the organization’s new CEO and the first Black person to lead the organization in its more than 40-year history

This month, Dr. Carla Smith celebrates her 2-year anniversary. Learn more about her and The Center.

Additionally, everyone is invited to visit The Center to celebrate Black History Month!  Check out our calendar to see everything happening at The Center this month.

Beyond Black History Month, we will come together to amplify New York’s LGBTQ+ diverse existence through curated events, community service, and social activities.