Art, Music, Dance: Celebrating Black History Month

This Black History Month, AARP New York is highlighting leaders who make an impact and are creating history in the community. We recognize the strength, persistence, and passion of Black artists, how their art connects us and preserves the collective story. Black artists and their contributions to music, art, theatre, etc., help to reduce isolation, stimulate brain health, foster the community, and more.

Connect with us for events that could boost brain health by learning about local history or work up a sweat by dancing away in a Zumba class! Register below and watch what a host of NYC radio personalities told AARP New York when asked why they celebrate Black History Month.

Event Details:

1. John Brown and Radical Empathy Webinar

• February 7, 2024 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Register: https://events.aarp.org/ezo3vo?locale=en

Join AARP New York, John Brown Lives! and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for the virtual program John Brown and Radical Empathy. Explore the life and legacy of abolitionist John Brown, his belief in human equality and his commitment to ending slavery. The program will review his ties to the Underground Railroad, the Kansas wars, the Harper’s Ferry Raid and current activities at the John Brown Farm.

For more information, visit our blog: https://local.aarp.org/news/revisit-the-underground-railroad-in-honor-of-black-history-month-ny-2024-01-11.html

2. Revisiting the Underground Railroad Webinar

• February 14, 2024 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Register: https://events.aarp.org/mQenvZ?locale=en

Join Paul & Mary Liz Stewart, co-founders of Underground Railroad Education Center, for a virtual event entitled Revisiting the Underground Railroad. The presentation will include various initiatives that connect the public with this empowering local history and its relevance for us today.

For more information, visit our blog: https://local.aarp.org/news/revisit-the-underground-railroad-in-honor-of-black-history-month-ny-2024-01-11.html

3. Harriet and Stephen Myers House Tour Discount

• Offer valid from February 14, 2024 - December 31, 2024

Learn More: https://events.aarp.org/84Akv0?locale=en

Access discounted tickets to tour the Harriet and Stephen Myers House, a historic Underground Railroad site in Albany, NY. Enjoy a 25% discount on tour tickets by calling 518-621-7793 and using code SAVE25.

For more information, visit our blog: https://local.aarp.org/news/revisit-the-underground-railroad-in-honor-of-black-history-month-ny-2024-01-11.html

4. Zumba Classes for Active Aging Adults

*All classes are from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• February 21, 2024

Register: https://events.aarp.org/ZumbaClass1

• February 22, 2024

Register: https://events.aarp.org/ZumbaClass2

• February 23, 2024

Register: https://events.aarp.org/ZumbaClass3

Dance, regardless of its style, can significantly improve muscular strength and endurance, balance, and other aspects of functional fitness in older adults according to scientific findings. Join us for three classes with Zumba Gold instructor Lois Goddard. The dance moves incorporated in each class help increase movement, breathing, and flexibility while reducing stress. At AARP New York, we understand the importance of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for older adults to increase productivity, reduce healthcare costs, and improve morale, while developing community.

For more information, visit our blog: https://local.aarp.org/news/zumba-classes-for-active-aging-adults-ny-2024-01-11.html

**You will need to register separately for each class you are interested in attending.

****Disclaimer: Please consult your physician before starting a new exercise regimen. AARP is not responsible for the consequences of any decisions or actions taken in reliance upon or as a result of the information provided during this event.

4. John W. Jones: Unsung American Hero Webinar

• February 21, 2024 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Register: https://events.aarp.org/g8ll9V?locale=en

Join Talima Aaron for a presentation on the life and legacy of John W. Jones. Jones escaped slavery and was Elmira’s station master of the Underground Railroad for 9 years. During the Civil War, he was responsible for the compassionate burial of 2973 confederate soldiers who died in the Elmira Prison Camp. The records he kept resulted in the confederate burial ground becoming designated a National Cemetery.

For more information, visit our blog: https://local.aarp.org/news/revisit-the-underground-railroad-in-honor-of-black-history-month-ny-2024-01-11.html

5. The Swing Dance Revolution of Jazz Age Harlem Webinar

• February 27, 2024 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET

Register: https://events.aarp.org/JazzAgeHarlem

Put on your fanciest pair of vintage shoes and get ready to jitterbug to the beat of one of the grooviest things to ever come out of New York. Join us as we uncover the past, present, and future of swing dance, from its beginnings on the jazz hall dance floors of 1920s Harlem to its modern adoption by communities throughout the world.

New York Radio Personalities Videos:

All month long in February, NYC radio personalities shared videos on the AARP New York Facebook page telling us why they celebrate Black History Month. Click on the links below to watch their videos or view them on our AARP New York Facebook page each week.

1. Dr. Bob Lee from 107.5 WBLS

2. Nicky Sunshine from 108 SOUL

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To explore local events hosted by AARP in your state, visit  AARP Local.