New York City has played a significant role in Black history in the United States. Here are some key points:

1. Harlem Renaissance: In the 1920s and 1930s, Harlem became a cultural mecca for African American artists, writers, musicians, poets, and intellectuals. The Harlem Renaissance was a flourishing of Black culture and creativity, producing influential figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.

2. Civil Rights Movement: New York was a hub for civil rights activism in the mid-20th century. Organizations like the NAACP and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) were founded in the city. Notable civil rights leaders like Malcolm X and Bayard Rustin also made significant contributions to the movement while residing in New York.

3. Jackie Robinson: Brooklyn Dodgers' infielder Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947. His debut marked a turning point in sports history and paved the way for other Black athletes to enter professional sports.

4. Central Park Five: In 1989, five Black and Latino teenagers were wrongfully convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park. The case exposed racial injustices in the criminal justice system and garnered national attention.

5. Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign: In 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama launched his historic presidential campaign in Springfield, Illinois. New York played a crucial role in his campaign strategy and fundraising efforts, helping him become the first Black president of the United States.

These are just a few highlights of the rich history of African Americans in New York City. The city continues to be a vibrant center of Black culture, activism, and progress.