New York City has a rich history in Black American culture and activism. Beginning in the early 20th century, the Harlem Renaissance emerged in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan as a cultural movement that celebrated Black music, art, literature, and intellectualism. Jazz music flourished during this time, with legendary figures like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Louis Armstrong performing in Harlem's nightclubs.

Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, New York City played a significant role as a hub for activism and a center for organizing protests and demonstrations. Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights leader, was based in New York and founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity in Harlem.

The city has also seen significant moments in Black history, such as the Stonewall Riots in 1969, which were led by Black transgender women and are considered a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

In recent years, New York has continued to be a site for social justice activism, with movements like Black Lives Matter organizing protests and advocating for racial equity and police reform. The city's vibrant Black community has made lasting contributions to music, art, culture, and activism, shaping the city's identity and history.