From vibrant celebrations to quiet escapes, New York City offers a weekend full of possibilities. Whether you crave its high energy or a more relaxed rhythm, the city moves at every pace. Its unyielding spirit pulls people into the moment, and WBLS spotlights the events bringing communities together. There’s always a way to tap into the city’s rhythm.
Fri. 03/21: SISTA ZOCK: AFRO CABARET @ Minton’s Playhouse NYC
Date: Friday, March 21st
Time: 7:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: 210 West 118th Street New York, NY 10026 (Minton’s Playhouse)
Price: $28.52
Experience a groundbreaking evening at Minton’s Playhouse, where the legacy of Black women in jazz merges with Afrofuturist visions. Sista Zock, a cultural artist, reimagines jazz history, paying homage to the trailblazing Cosmic Jazz Divas while emphasizing their role as visionaries shaping the future. The night begins with a powerful monologue that highlights icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, who reshaped music and culture. Transforming the venue into a futuristic jazz hub, the event blends swing, bebop, and blues with a bold, forward-thinking twist. Guests are encouraged to embrace an Afrocentric, interstellar style, blending classic jazz glam with futuristic flair.
Date: Friday, March 21st
Time: 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: 520 8th Avenue #16th floor New York, NY 10018 (Ripley-Grier Studios)
Price: $60.00-$65.87
Every Friday, Ripley-Grier Studios hosts an electrifying African dance session that celebrates the vibrant traditions of the culture. Participants will be immersed in the rhythms of authentic African music, moving to beats that connect deeply with history. The event is open to all, with no previous dance experience required—just the energy to engage and have fun. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cultural roots of dance in a lively and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, it promises an unforgettable experience.
CENTRO X Cumbre – Sites of Black Memory Symposium (In-Person)
Date: Saturday, March 22nd
Time: 9:30 AM-7:30 PM
Location: 2180 3rd Ave New York, NY 10035 (CENTRO in El Barrio)
Price: Free
For the first time, Cumbre Afro will make its way to New York, concluding in East Harlem, positioned between two influential institutions: The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This year’s event, themed Sites of Black Memory: Our Ancestors, Archives, and Arts, honors Arturo Schomburg and is presented in partnership with PR-AFRO at UPR. It serves as a platform to reflect on Afrolatinidad in an era marked by division, reaffirming the shared experiences of the Black Diaspora. The summit empowers communities by providing access to academic resources, fostering collaboration, and amplifying voices historically left out of the conversation.
Date: Sunday, March 23rd
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: 159 Pioneer Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Pioneer Works)
Price: Free
On March 23rd, Pioneer Works presents the third installment of Warpmode, an ongoing conversation series centered on reimagining accepted realities through the lens of a conceptual card game. Created by artist Jazsalyn, Black Beyond’s Warpmode invites participants to explore Black Metatheories such as Afrofuturism, Afrovoidism, and Afropocalypse. In this interactive game, players draw cards that prompt them to engage with existential questions, offering new perspectives on Black social and theoretical frameworks. Co-presented by Onassis ONX and Pioneer Works, the series pairs Jazsalyn with prominent artists to delve into specific metatheories. For this session, Jazsalyn will join American Artist to explore Afropocalypse, contextualized by the artist’s exhibition, Shaper of God.
Natural Hair Fest New York City | Community, Culture & Creativity
Date: Sunday, March 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: 228 Duffield Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel)
Price: $12.51-$39.19
The Natural Hair Fest New York City and AFROINTL Fashion Show will take over the Sheraton Brooklyn Hotel on Sunday, March 23, offering a full day of discussions, demonstrations, and networking centered on natural hair and beauty. The event serves as both a celebration and an educational forum, featuring industry professionals who will share insights on haircare, styling, and wellness. With live product showcases and expert-led conversations, attendees will have the chance to explore the latest in organic and vegan beauty products. More than 25 vendors will be present, providing direct access to small businesses and emerging brands in the natural hair space. Positioned in downtown Brooklyn, the festival aims to foster dialogue, challenge misconceptions, and empower attendees to embrace natural beauty with confidence.
We hope you enjoy this weekend’s events!