Center the Culture: Celebrating Black History Month at The Center

Black History Month gives us a special opportunity to highlight the impact Black LGBTQ+ people have on The Center. Read more to see how we're centering the culture this month and all year round.

Black community members dancing and smiling at the NYC LGBT Community 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.

Two Black community members holding up a Pride flag while posing for a photo at The NYC LGBT Community Center.

Centering Black LGBTQ+ people

Equity at The Center

"For our programming and services to be truly equitable and for us to achieve our mission, we must recognize and respond to the long-term, pervasive effects of all forms of racism on our community members."

Cristina Jones, Chief People and Equity Officer

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.

A child standing next to their family while smiling at the camera.

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