Black Placemaking: Reinterpreting Lower East Side History

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As part of our acclaimed Tenement Talk series, join us for a free panel discussion on the importance of preserving black histories at cultural institutions.

Newcomers to the Lower East Side have long left their landmarks on the neighborhood, contributing to its iconic legacy and rich cultural heritage. Yet the experiences of Black residents are often overshadowed in the neighborhood’s collective memory.

Join author Carla Peterson, historian Lauren O’Brien, and preservation leader Brent Leggs to discuss how preservation and interpretation can make Black histories more visible. Featuring highlights from four hundred years of Black presence and placemaking on the Lower East Side, this panel introduces the Museum’s forthcoming neighborhood walking tour of Black migrations in Lower Manhattan.

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Participants
Lauren O’Brien—Lead Scholar for the Tenement Museum’s Black Migrations walking tour
Carla Peterson—author of Black Gotham: A Family History of African Americans in 19^th Century New York City
Brent Leggs—Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

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Members at the Contributor level and above are able to reserve seats.

If you are a Member and would like to reserve seats, or are interested in membership, contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 646-518-3007.