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After a career in the Army taking me across Europe and the Middle East (and various parts of the United States), followed by two decades teaching middle school students in Savannah, Georgia, my retirement years have blessed me with the freedom to explore destinations on my own terms. From the colonial streets of Mérida, Mexico (where I lived for a few months - but that's a different blog) to the vibrant energy of Paris and Costa Rica, I've discovered that the most rewarding travel experiences connect you with the authentic cultural heartbeat of a place.
Though I haven't yet had the opportunity to visit New York City myself—it remains high on my travel wish list—my years exploring cultural capitals from Boston to D.C. to New Orleans have prepared me for what promises to be an extraordinary journey. As someone who grew up in Chicago, I appreciate a city with character, history, and cultural richness. I've spent countless hours researching New York's Black cultural offerings, speaking with fellow travelers (including my daugher, the founder of Lawal Travel), and planning my own upcoming visit.
Learning about Black history and culture isn't just for Black people. It's part of our shared history—a vital thread in the American tapestry that has shaped our collective identity. By engaging with these cultural touchpoints, every traveler gains a more complete understanding of our nation's story and the brilliant contributions that continue to define American culture worldwide.
If you're a traveler who values authentic experiences, appreciates refined accommodations, and seeks meaningful cultural connections, join me in exploring the Black cultural treasures of New York City.
Having lived in vibrant cities around the world, I'm eager to experience Harlem—a neighborhood whose cultural significance has influenced American arts, music, and literature for generations. Walking these streets will be like stepping into the pages of history books, experiencing firsthand the vibrant legacy of the Harlem Renaissance that transformed American culture in the 1920s and 30s.
The Apollo Theater – Amateur Night at the Apollo is high on my must-see list. From my research and conversations with friends who've experienced it, the raw talent, the enthusiastic audience participation, and the palpable sense of history make this unlike any performance venue in America. Standing where legends like Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown once stood during Amateur Night will be a powerful connection to American cultural history. I recommend booking tickets well in advance, as these Wednesday night performances often sell out.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture – As a former educator, I'm excited to visit the Schomburg Center. This research branch of the New York Public Library houses over 11 million items documenting Black life globally. My daugheter took my eldest grandson for his tenth birthday and he still remembers some of the exibhits. Friends have described seeing original manuscripts from Langston Hughes and rare photographs documenting Black life in the early 20th century. The rotating exhibitions are consistently thought-provoking and beautifully curated.
The Studio Museum in Harlem – What intrigues me most about this institution is how it bridges historical context with contemporary expression. The museum's commitment to supporting artists of African descent through its residency program ensures that Black artistic expression continues to evolve while honoring its roots. The intimate scale of the museum allows for a more personal connection with the artwork than you might experience at larger institutions.
With family roots in the south and having lived in Savannah for decades, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic Southern cuisine. Harlem offers both traditional soul food and innovative interpretations that honor those culinary traditions while pushing boundaries.
When I visit New York, I plan to experience Sunday gospel brunch at Sylvia's Restaurant, where I'm told the food nourishes both body and spirit. Friends rave that the fried chicken and waffles rival anything in the South, and the sense of community among diners creates an experience far beyond the meal itself.
For an upscale evening, I've been recommended Minton's—a historic jazz club reopened as a supper club. Dining there will connect me to the birthplace of bebop while enjoying sophisticated cuisine. The cocktail program alone is reportedly worth the visit, with mixologists who craft drinks that tell stories of Harlem's past and present.
I'm planning to approach The Met differently than many first-time visitors. While its European collections and Egyptian antiquities are justifiably famous, I'm particularly interested in exploring its holdings of African American art, which have expanded significantly in recent years.
The growing collection features works by Jacob Lawrence, whose "Migration Series" powerfully depicts the Great Migration through vibrant, stylized panels. Faith Ringgold's narrative quilts blend personal history with broader social commentary in a uniquely American art form. I anticipate that the emotional impact of these works will offer insights into the American experience that complement and sometimes challenge the perspectives presented elsewhere in the museum.
I'm particularly intrigued by "Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room," a relatively new installation that reimagines what might have been if Seneca Village—a 19th-century community of predominantly Black property owners displaced for the creation of Central Park—had been allowed to thrive into the present and future. As someone who has witnessed how communities evolve over time during my global travels, I find this speculative approach particularly compelling.
My teaching career taught me that experiential learning creates the most lasting impressions. These specialized tours offer immersive experiences that illuminate different facets of Black cultural contributions to New York and America—experiences I'm eager to have firsthand.
Though I grew up with jazz and soul music, I'm fascinated by hip hop's evolution from authentic expression of urban experience to global phenomenon. Tours beginning in the Bronx at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue—where DJ Kool Herc pioneered break-beat DJing—trace how this cultural movement transformed to influence language, fashion, visual arts, and social movements worldwide.
I'm looking forward to seeing the murals and public art celebrating hip hop pioneers throughout the boroughs, and hearing first-hand accounts from guides who witnessed the evolution of the culture. I imagine it will remind me of how music transcended boundaries during my years stationed overseas—how rhythm and poetry can create understanding across differences.
Having enjoyed jazz performances in Paris and New Orleans during my recent travels, exploring the New York sites where this uniquely American art form evolved is high on my list. I'm eager to stand outside the former location of the Savoy Ballroom, where racial barriers fell away on the dance floor decades before integration became law—a powerful reminder of music's ability to unite.
For contemporary performances that honor this legacy, plan to visit Jazz at Lincoln Center for world-class programming in an acoustically perfect setting, or the more intimate Smoke Jazz Club for performances where you can see the musicians' every expression.
Between performances, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem offers fascinating context through its collections of recordings, photographs, and memorabilia. An additional perk are their listening sessions featuring rare recordings that will enhance appreciation of the artists - familiar and new.
My travels have shown me how clothing communicates cultural values and historical contexts. A specialized Black fashion tour in New York promises to showcase how style has served as both personal expression and sometimes political statement throughout American history.
From the elegant innovations of Harlem Renaissance-era fashion to the groundbreaking work of contemporary designers like Tracy Reese and LaQuan Smith, these tours demonstrate how Black aesthetics have repeatedly transformed American style.
The tour itinerary I'm most interested in includes visits to Harlem boutiques featuring emerging Black designers, a special exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and a presentation on how street style born in Black communities has influenced global fashion.
Luxury Boutique Hotels in NYC: Sophisticated Accommodations for Cultural Explorers
After decades of military and budget travel accommodations, I now prioritize hotels that offer both character and comfort. For my upcoming New York visit, we've researched properties that will enhance a cultural exploration of the city. Here are some exceptional options for the discerning traveler:
The Kixby – This 4-star boutique hotel in Midtown Manhattan offers an excellent location at 35th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. The rooftop terrace provides spectacular views of the nearby Empire State Building, and the 195 rooms feature an intimate boutique experience with elegantly understated, contemporary furnishings and custom-designed details. It's within walking distance to Herald Square, Times Square, and Fifth Avenue shopping, making it perfect for exploration.
The Sherry-Netherland – For a truly luxurious experience, this historic 5-star hotel sits directly across from Central Park at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street. Since opening in 1927, it has attracted society's elite with its five-star service and high-end accommodations. The hotel overlooks Central Park and is steps away from both Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue shopping. The individually decorated rooms feature high ceilings and marble bathrooms, offering a classic New York experience.
1 Hotel Central Park – For those who appreciate sustainability alongside luxury, this eco-conscious hotel near Central Park combines natural elements with sophisticated design. The soft blue painted walls evoke calmness and relaxation. Their farm-to-table restaurant sources ingredients from local producers, similar to the markets I frequented in Mérida.
The Beekman – This historic property with its stunning nine-story atrium reminds me of grand European hotels while remaining distinctly New York. The sophisticated rooms with vintage-inspired décor offer a sense of place that generic luxury hotels often lack. The location provides convenient access to subway lines for reaching cultural sites throughout the city.
Aloft Harlem – For those who prefer staying in the heart of Harlem, this contemporary hotel offers modern comfort within walking distance of many attractions mentioned. The vibrant lobby often features local artists and musicians, immediately connecting guests with the neighborhood's creative energy.
After exploring Europe, the Middle East, and various parts of North America and the Caribbean throughout my military career and retirement years, I've learned that the most rewarding journeys offer both discovery and reflection. New York's Black cultural landmarks, institutions, and experiences promise exactly this combination—connecting visitors with vital aspects of American identity while inspiring new perspectives.
Whether you're drawn to the historical significance of Harlem, the artistic masterpieces at The Met, or the evolving story of Black music and fashion, engaging with these cultural treasures will enrich your understanding of America itself. And for travelers like me who value both authentic experiences and refined accommodations, this approach to New York offers the perfect balance.
Through Lawal Travel Services' Custom Travel Itineraries, you can experience these cultural dimensions of New York with personalized guidance tailored to your specific interests. From securing tickets to Amateur Night at the Apollo to arranging specialized tours and selecting the perfect hotel for your preferences, their expertise ensures you'll discover the authentic heart of the city while enjoying the refined experiences that sophisticated travelers expect.
Ready to explore Black cultural heritage in New York or other destinations? Contact us to learn how our Custom Travel Itineraries can transform your next journey from ordinary to extraordinary.