167th Street (B, D)
The crown jewel of this stop is The Bronx Museum of the Arts, which feels like a mecca for Black and Brown excellence in artistry, but in a real, community-based way, not a “look at how diverse we are!” way. A lot of art museums can feel stuffy and unwelcoming to visitors of color; this museum is the opposite.
I think there’s something really beautiful, if not necessary, about a space where Black men of The Bronx can sit on a bench in front of a piece of canvassed graffiti to discuss it and whatever else is on their minds. That’s the kind of experience this museum invites.
Shout out to these quality fellas, enjoying a First Friday event at the museum.
The museum always free, and always worth a visit, but I especially recommend that you come for an event.
I went for a First Friday event and it was lit. A DJ was throwing Motown dance remixes, and booties were shaking, including mine, with intermissions for spoken poetry. People showed up in style, with glittery tops and and fresh locks and fancy winter furs, which this animal-lover hopes are faux.
A poet owning the stage between Motown hits.
Speaking of, if you’re a vegetarian, this might be a tough area for food. I don’t have any specific food recommendations for the area, but why not try a local deli if you’re around this part of town, and report back in the comments below.
Tile art in the 167th Street (B, D) subway station.
