Where are the best art museum exhibits, new books, concerts and performances highlighting African-American and black culture this September? Here are our top picks of 10 great ways to celebrate black culture in the month of September 2019.
10 Great Ways to Celebrate Black Culture in September 2019
So many options, so little time. To lend a hand as you plan your September calendar, we’re sharing happenings in London, Paris, New York, Chicago and Baltimore that highlight and celebrate the best of black culture. Plus new books from two of our favorite authors.
If you live in one of these cities, or have the chance to travel there, be sure to visit. We wish would could see and do them all! Here’s what’s on our list of the best ways to celebrate black culture during in the month of September 2019.
how to celebrate black culture September 2019: read this
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson. The author’s first novel for adults since Another Brooklyn is about two families from different social classes that are joined together by an unexpected pregnancy – Publication date: September 17, 2019
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The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. The National Book Award-winning author of Between the World and Me returns with a novel. Young Hiram Walker was born into bondage. But he is gifted with a mysterious power after he almost drowns. As an adult, he enlists in the underground war between slavers and the enslaved. All the while intent on freeing the family he left behind. The novel’s striking cover image was painted by the artist Calida Garcia Rawles – Publication date: September 24, 2019
New books celebrating black culture in September 2019.
how to celebrate black culture in September 2019: listen to this
Charla Lauriston and Lauren Domino have a new podcast to check out in September 2019, The Secret Lives of Black Women. Their mission is to reveal the secrets of daily and spiritual survival that allow black women to thrive in a society built on the premise that they should not.
Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You Too Tour stops at Radio City Music Hall for two nights only – September 23 – 24, 2019
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis kicks off its Opening Weekend in the Rose Theater with The South African Songbook. It’s a musical celebration of South Africa’s 25 years of democracy after apartheid. Top South African musicians will join the orchestra to perform essential South African music. Each song has been chosen by a guest performer and newly arranged for the show by the JLCO – Sept 12 – 14
The South Africa Songbook at Jazz at Lincoln Center
how to celebrate black culture in September 2019: see this
London
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater heads to London’s Sadler’s Wells. Highlights include the UK premiere of Rennie Harris’ Lazarus. The Call, which sees Ronald K. Brown offering up his love letter to Ailey set to the music of Bach. And Ella, Artistic Director Robert Battle’s celebration of the legendary singer – September 4 – 14, 2019
Paris
To celebrate the anniversary of the Paris Opera, in collaboration with Juste Debout the Academy will be hosting a grand Battle Opera de Hip Hop at the Palais Garnier. After regional heats, the winners will gather together on December 26, 2019 to compete in the finals on the stage of the Opera Garnier – September 19 – December 26, 2019
New York
Kenyan-American artist Wangechi Mutu has been selected to create sculptures for The Met’s Fifth Avenue facade niches. In the first-ever such installation on the Museum’s historic exterior, his work will inaugurate a new annual artist commission series. The New Ones, Will Free Us will be on view from September 9, 2019 – January 12, 2020
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York
New York
James Robinson’s stylish new production of the Gershwins’ American classic Porgy and Bess at the Metropolitan Opera in New York will transport audiences to Catfish Row on the Charleston waterfront. Eric Owens and Angel Blue star in the title roles – September 23, 2019 – February 1, 2020
The new production of Porgy and Bess at The Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Chicago
Last week, designer Virgil Abloh’s exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, a multidisciplinary presentation of his work, from fashion and interior design to art, was extended through the month of September. “Figures of Speech” is the museum’s third most highly visited show ever, behind retrospectives of David Bowie and Takashi Murakami.
Abloh has also released three capsule-collection bags inspired by art that has shaped his creative ethos, to be sold exclusively through the museum. The bags, in his words, offer a unique opportunity to “literally wear the exhibition.” You can check them out here.
Baltimore
Generations: A History of Black Abstract Art at the Baltimore Museum of Art celebrates the ways in which African American artists have used gestural painting, shapes and colors to convey personal and political statements.
The exhibit will include works by prominent contemporary artists such as Kevin Beasley, Mark Bradford, Martin Puryear and Lorna Simpson. Joined by pioneering artists dating back to the 1940’s, including Norman Lewis, Alma W. Thomas and Jack Whitten – September 29, 2019 – January 19, 2020
Best museum exhibits celebrating black culture in September 2019: a work from Generations: the History of Black Abstract Art at the Baltimore Museum.
celebrate black culture in September 2019
Those are our top 10 picks for cultural events and other ways to celebrate African-American and black culture in September 2019. The art museum exhibits, new books, concerts and performances that highlight black culture in the month of September. What’s on your list?
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.