From the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s to the present day, black culture in NYC has contributed greatly to the city’s identity. As a rich environment for African American artists, writers, musicians, and activists, the city fosters creativity and social movements that continue to shape the nation. With many neighborhoods known for their jazz clubs, restaurants, and iconic institutions like the Apollo Theater, the city has nurtured diverse black communities, giving rise to influential figures like Langston Hughes, Billie Holiday, and Jay-Z. Black culture in New York City continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation, and serving as an inspiration for creativity, resilience, and social change.
Exploring Black Culture in NYC Through Film, Television, and More
As home to the largest Black population of any city in the US, New York City hosts The African American Day Parade in Harlem. The event is one of the largest African American parades and takes parade watchers on a lively journey through Harlem. Audiences can relive past parades and performances by checking out the parade’s official YouTube channel.
Many classic films and hit television shows have also depicted Black culture in New York City. From Harlem Nights (1989) to Paris is Burning (1990) to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), audiences can explore the city through a number of narratives that put a spotlight on some of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country.
Harlem Nights (1989)
The Oscar-nominated Harlem Nights is a thrilling crime comedy-drama that follows two club owners, “Sugar” Ray and Vernest “Quick” Brown, as they face off against corrupt officials and gangsters in Harlem during the late 1930s. The film featured Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor and was also written and directed by Murphy.
Do The Right Thing (1989)
In Do the Right Thing, Lee explores the tense racial dynamics between African-American residents and Italian-American business owners in a Brooklyn neighborhood. From beautiful murals to lively music, Do the Right Thing shows how despite racial tensions the community and its people were still able to enjoy the beauty of Bed Stuy.
The film ultimately leads to a shocking climax on a scorching summer day. The film had an all-star cast that included Giancarlo Esposito, Samuel L. Jackson, and Rosie Perez.
NYC locals and visitors can also check out the Spike Lee: Creative Sources exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum starting October 8th.
Harlem (2021)
Recently, Harlem has been on display in the Amazon Prime series Harlem (2021). Showrunner and NYFA alum Tracy Oliver uses Harlem as a rich environment of professional and personal growth for four close friends, each with their own unique journey. The series not only captures the vibrant spirit and cultural tapestry of Harlem but also highlights the transformative power of storytelling. The show stars Meagan Good, Jerrie Johnson, Grace Byers, and Shoniqua Shandai.
Godfather of Harlem (2019-)
If you are looking for an electrifying tale of power, politics, and a mob war threatening to tear the Big Apple apart look no further. The Godfather of Harlem is a thrilling American crime drama series, starring Forest Whitaker, that takes you back to the 1960s in New York City. It follows the gripping story of Bumpy Johnson, a former crime boss, who after a decade in prison returns to a neighborhood in disarray. To reclaim his turf from the clutches of the Italian mob, he must take on the powerful Genovese family. But things get even more intense when Bumpy forms an alliance with Malcolm X, a prominent Muslim minister whose political rise intersects with a city in chaos.
As of June 17th, the MGM+ Channel hasn’t announced yet the show’s cancellation or renewal for a fourth season. Stay tuned for further updates.
POSE (2018-2021)
Pose is the groundbreaking American Drama TV series from FX Network and Ryan Murphy that takes you on a journey through the vibrant LGBTQ subculture in the African-American community during the dynamic 1980s and 1990s. With NYFA Guest Speaker Billy Porter as the mesmerizing emcee of the balls, and an incredible cast of black storytellers, such as Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez and Dominique Jackson, this show provides a riveting journey into the heart of NYC’s ball culture.
Wild Style (1983)
In Wild Style (1983), Zoro, a talented graffiti artist from the South Bronx, gets a commission to create a backdrop for a hip-hop concert. Known as the first hip-hop movie, Wild Style shows the culture of hip-hop in New York in the ‘80s and features icons such as the Chief Rocker Busy Bee, Grandmaster Flash, the Rock Steady Crew, Fab 5 Freddy, the Cold Crush Brothers, and subway artist Lee Quiñones as Zoro.
Paris is Burning (1990)
Paris is Burning (1990) is a documentary filmed in 1980s NYC. We get a first-hand look into the culture that is ballroom. We watch as the members and entertainers of different houses compete or “walk’ in numerous categories, as well as navigate through everyday life in NYC. The name Paris is Burning actually originated from the ball held by Paris Dupree. Paris is Burning doesn’t only cover the glitz and glamour of ballroom, but the trials and tribulations that many in the queer community face. Despite all this, this documentary truly captures the beauty within the culture.
Downtown 81 (1981)
In Downtown 81 (1981), Jean Michael Basquiat gives us a glimpse of a day in the life of a struggling artist. Once discharged from the hospital, Jean Michel Basquiat roams the vibrant streets of 1980s Manhattan, determined to sell his art to secure financial stability and find a place to spend the night.
The Cool World (1963)
Shirley Clarke’s The Cool World is a poignant black-and-white film that delves into the lives of young black boys who belong to gangs in New York in the 1960s. Inspired by Warren Miller’s novel, this semi-documentary offers a vivid portrayal of inner-city life in Harlem.
Capturing the raw essence of ghetto life through verité-style cinematography and non-professional actors, this movie was groundbreaking in its depiction of Harlem during the early 1960s, and it starred acclaimed actors like Clarence Williams III, also launching the careers of several other talented individuals.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) & Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) & Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) are both a true must-see for all ages. This animation follows the story of Miles Morales, a young inner-city Brooklyn kid, who finds himself learning how to be a superhero before he knows it. The Spider-Verse truly unites the “Spider-Man” from all of our childhoods, even brand new ones, into one insane universe.
The plot line will leave you wanting more and more. Despite being left on a cliffhanger we are so excited for more. Not to mention NYFA’s very own Filmmaking alum, Issa Rae, does an amazing job voicing Spider-Woman.
Wu-Tang: An American Saga with NYFA Alum Danny Olabi
This Emmy-nominated series captures the rise of one of the greatest success stories in Hip Hop history by documenting the formation of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan and Bobby Diggs’ visionary journey to unite a dozen young black men divided between music and crime.
You can learn more about the show’s second season from NYFA’s own Acting for Film 2-Year Conservatory alum, Danny Olabi, who played the role of Poppy and recently shared with us his behind-the-scenes experience in this exclusive interview.
The Other Hamilton (in development)
Wall Street, the world’s financial hub and home to NYFA’s NYC Campus, is not just a symbol of global finance but also has a rich and storied history intertwined with the African American community. Once a sleepy neighborhood, the Financial District is now known as simply FIDI, and it is one of the hottest and most sought-after business areas in New York City.
While movies have extensively depicted the fast-paced and often cut-throat world of finance, few have explored the black experience in this iconic location. However, HBO Max is currently developing a new drama series titled The Other Hamilton, executive produced by Steven Soderbergh and Don Cheadle, which tells the true story of Jeremiah Hamilton, one of the first Black millionaires in American history. Born a Haitian immigrant in the 1800s, Hamilton built his fortune on dubious and sometimes illegal methods but remained a fascinating figure in Wall Street lore. “The Other Hamilton” is based on the acclaimed book “Prince of Darkness: The Untold Story of Jeremiah G. Hamilton, Wall Street’s First Black Millionaire” by Shane White.
The Get Down (2016)
With The Get Down, you step right into the vibrant world of 1977 New York City, a time when New York was on the verge of collapse, disco was dying, and the rising stars of the South Bronx were chasing their dreams and breaking beats to revolutionize music history.
Led by Justice Smith and an expert team including hip-hop icon MC Nas and historian Nelson George, this music-driven drama explores the emergence of a new art form that forever changed the Big Apple. This 11-episode Netflix original series captures the spirit of the late 70s Bronx and reminds us that, with a little bravery, anything is possible in NYC.
Make Your Own Films at NYFA New York
As a renowned global hub for film, television, entertainment, and media, New York City has unparalleled energy and cultural richness that ignites the aspirations of aspiring filmmakers. Students interested in pursuing skills in filmmaking, photography, visual art, acting, and more can experience everything New York has to offer at our Battery Park campus. To learn more about our New York programs, request more information today!