New York City has a rich history in Black culture and activism. In the early 20th century, it became a major destination for African Americans during the Great Migration, as they sought better opportunities and an escape from oppression in the South. Harlem, in particular, became a hub for Black culture and intellectualism during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s.

Notable figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington made significant contributions to the cultural scene in Harlem. The neighborhood also became a center for civil rights activism, with organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) having a presence in the area.

In the mid-20th century, the civil rights movement took hold in New York City, with activists like Malcolm X and Shirley Chisholm leading the charge for racial equality. The city also experienced the devastating impact of systemic racism and police brutality, most notably with the deaths of Black men like Eric Garner and Sean Bell.

Today, New York City continues to be a center for Black culture, activism, and community organizing. Organizations like Black Lives Matter and the National Action Network are prominent in the fight against racial injustice. The city also celebrates Black heritage through events like the West Indian Day Parade and various cultural festivals throughout the year.