Welcome to Paradise. Please Don’t Step on the Cat

It’s not unusual to see street vendors selling selections of assorted Africana. But if you want the full kaleidoscope of african culture, step into African Paradise, a small storefront on Malcolm X between 126th and 127th Streets. You’ll know you have arrived by the undulating African rhythms and the sweet smell of burning incense.

Aged 44, Hip Hop Still Struggling To Grow Up

The roots of homophobia and transphobia run far deeper than hip hop. But time and time again we are reminded of how truly intolerant many of our celebrated artists and cultural influencers are. 

fashion

Genesis: Ideas of Origin in African Sculpture

Pondering the origins of the world and their own ancestry, ancient African societies found answers to these and other perplexing concepts in their oral traditions, poetry, and art. This fascinating book takes readers on an enlightening tour of Africa’s religious and profane sculptural traditions. 

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New York Special: Giants of Edgecombe Avenue

We visit 409 and 555 on Edgecombe Ave in Harlem, NYC, and lay a theory for why these multi-tenants buildings hold such cachet for the families who call them home.

newyork