Tra'Scapades

🖼✍️🏾 reposted from @bronxartsorg The Bronx is taking the stage. 🎤✨

Join the Bronx Council on the Arts and Uptown Melody for BX Creatives Connect, an evening of free live performances celebrating the incredible talent, creativity, and culture of our borough.

On Thursday, June 18, Walnut Bar & Grill will come alive with music, dance, poetry, and community as Bronx artists share their stories through words, sounds, and movement.

Featuring:

✍🏿 Spoken word poetry by Nya (Purpose's Pen), a Bronx storyteller whose powerful reflections inspire others to embrace their own voices

🎤 Live performance by Dilson Hernandez, a Dominican-American multidisciplinary artist, composer, musician, and spoken-word performer whose work has graced Off-Broadway stages

💃🏽 Dance presentation by Janice Tomlinson, Bronx-born choreographer, educator, nurse, and founder of Health & Hip Hop, Inc.

🎧 Music by Kaykay47, the internationally recognized People's DJ from the Bronx and founder of Girls DJ Too

Whether you're an artist, creative, or simply a lover of Bronx culture, come connect with fellow community members and experience an unforgettable night of local talent.

📍 Walnut Bar & Grill

📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM–9:00 PM

Free and open to the public. RSVP link in bio

Peaceful transitions to #DannySimmons, the multi-talented artist, fierce Black arts advocate, trailblazing gallerist and generous philanthropist. A painter, poet and author, Danny provided a platform and launched the careers of countless Black artists, some of whom I learned about and met through him. From his galleries in Chelsea, NYC (long before that area was gentrified) and Philadelphia, to co-creating the groundbreaking Def Poetry Jam on HBO, to co-founding Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, he highlighted, supported, held space and created community for Black artists, creatives, collectors and children to gather, connect, learn and be inspired. May his life, legacy and impact be forever acknowledged and celebrated. Sending my deepest condolences to the many people whose lives he touched and feel this tremendous loss.

✍️🏾 reposted from @rush_arts

DANNY SIMMONS JR.

1953-2026

It is with a profound sense of loss that we honor and celebrate the life of Danny Simmons Jr., a beacon of love and creativity. He was not just a brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and loving husband; he was a vibrant artist, dedicated supporter of creatives,

and a cherished friend.

Though he has transitioned from this world, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and artistic brilliance will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time.

The family of Danny Simmons.

#BlackArtists #Visionary

📷 2 - Danny's 2017 exhibit "Hoppin' The Hoodoo Express" at @hsanyc

📷 3 - "Def Poets: A Reunion" at @summerstage Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem, 2017

📷 4 - Opening of "High John the Conqueror Ain't Got Nothing on Me: American Hoodoo and Southern Black American-Centric Spiritual Ways," curated by @apshantology, at Rush Arts Gallery - Chelsea, 2017

📷 5 & 6 Opening of @rushartsphilly 2017

WHAT A RIDE - 53 YEARS IN THE MAKING! Congratulations and thank you to the @nba champion @nyknicks for an incredible season, and for showing us what it looks like to never give up no matter how far down you may feel!

We celebrated late into the night in the streets of Harlem, where the energy was electric. I didn't capture photos or video because I was so elated and wanted to take it all in!

📷✍️🏾 reposted from @nyknicks

"for the boroughs and knicks fans around the world 🏆"

🖼✍️🏾 reposted from @soulfecta @soulfecta PRESENTS:

HOUSE IN THE PARK (ATL) x GEMINI JAM II

In celebration of Samir Hall's 60th Solar Return.

For one night, Atlanta's house music family lands in Brooklyn for a special Diamond Jubilee edition of Gemini Jam.

Featuring

@kaialce

@djkemit

@ramonrawsoul

@salahananse

Warming up the set, Brooklyn favorites @zewoooooooo

Hosted by

Ali Coleman

@conradrochester

@rednessparties

Since 2005, House In The Park (@hitpatlanta) has been a cornerstone of Atlanta's house music culture, bringing together generations of dancers, DJs, and music lovers through a shared love of music and community.

Now that spirit arrives @bogarthouse for a celebration honoring @samir.hall66

and the culture that continues to connect us all.

📍 Bogart House

230 Bogart Street, Brooklyn

🗓 Friday, June 12

⏰ 10PM–4AM

🎟 Tickets https://ra.co/events/2459679

#HouseMusic #Dancers #NYNightlife #ArtIsAWeapon

Last chance to catch @sanfordbiggers' exhibition "The Gift of Tongues" at @marianneboeskygallery before it closes tomorrow, June 13.

📍Marianne Boesky Gallery

507 W. 24th Street, NYC.

🎥✍️🏾reposted from @art #SanfordBiggers is an artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, collage, performance, music, and film to explore mythology, spirituality, cultural memory, and the instability of historical narratives. Drawing from a wide range of visual traditions, Biggers combines symbols, materials, and references from across time to create layered works that question how meaning and identity are constructed.

In ‘The Gift of Tongues’ at Boesky Gallery (@marianneboeskygallery), Biggers transforms the gallery into a labyrinth of antique quilts, and sculptural interventions that guide viewers through shifting scenes of historical and cultural association. Bringing together works from several ongoing series, the exhibition explores hybrid identities, coded histories, and evolving systems of meaning. Biggers also revisits the often-forgotten history of hand-painted marble sculpture, challenging contemporary assumptions about classical forms and monumentality. Throughout the exhibition, recurring cloud motifs, quilt-based works, and shimmering sculptural surfaces create an atmosphere where symbols remain fluid, unstable, and open to reinterpretation.

💥#IYKYK

🔥LIKE OUR BELOVED @nyknicks, THIS 🎥 by Justin Sims @jslayart GOES SO DAMN HARD 👏🏿

🗽 x ⚡️ ….

YO! I am STILL ELATED about the #NYKnicks historical win over the @Spurs in Game 4 of the @nba 2026 Championship!

Special shout out to Ogugua "OG" Anunoby @oanunoby, who tipped in the game-winning shot that sealed the largest single-game comeback in NBA Finals history!

#OGAnunoby

I'm looking forward to tonight's film screening and conversation with artist @helina.metaferia and curator @justkimberly at @neuehouse. Meet me there.

Reposted from @superpositiongallery Join us on June 9th at NeueHouse Madison Square for a night of film, art, and conversation.

“Our Songs: By Way of Revolution” is a short documentary rooted in Helina Metaferia’s interdisciplinary practice — a tribute to Black and Brown femmes whose resistance is creative, collective, and full of care. The film is directed by Alex J. Bledsoe for Breaktide Productions, produced by Jalena Keane-Lee, and executive produced by Helina Metaferia.

The screening will be followed by a conversation between the artist and curator Kimberly Drew.

7–10pm | 110 E 25th St, New York

RSVP: [email protected]

*

Hey NYC - @lincolncenter's Annual #SummerForTheCity events series kicks off this week!

Reposted from @lincolncenter

Join us all summer long for hundreds of FREE and Choose-What-You-Pay concerts, events, silent discos, and so much more. This week's lineup includes dead prez, Big Umbrella Day, and a Gorgeous Gorgeous silent disco!

FREE Fast Track reservations are available NOW for this week’s events. Check out LincolnCenter.org/FastTrack or our #LinkInBio to learn more and make your reservations for access to the Fast Track priority line. (Note: These events also have plenty of first-come, first-served general admission spots. No Fast Track required!)

Tonight! Game 3 of the 2026 @NBA Finals @NYKnicks @Spurs at @thegarden (June 8, 8:30 PM ET).

🎨✍️🏾 by artist @popephoenix its crazy when art imitates life but the other way around? WILD LETS GO KNICKS. 2 down 2 to go!

Our @Prince Rogers Nelson was born 68 years ago today, June 7. Although he didn't celebrate b'earthdays, we'll celebrate his life and musical legacy tonight on the dancefloor with @djspinna at the @goodroombk!

I miss him, still...

✍️🏾reposted from @djspinna

SOUL SLAM *Annual Tribute Celebration Of ☔️PRINCE’s☔️ Life & Musical Legacy 

🎼 DJ SPINNA On The Decks All Night!

🗓️SUNDAY June 7, 2026

📍@ GOOD ROOM - 98 Meserole Avenue • Greenpoint - BK NY

Doors: 6pm-Till Late / 21+ (w) Proper ID

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More Info & 🎫 Visit: www.DjSpinna.com

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Presented By: @djspinna + @keistarproductions

Once again it’s on! If you know you know, if you don’t come and find out with the rest of the PURPLE SQUAD! Let’s Work! 💜☔️ 🎸

Join Us On SUNDAY 6•7•26 For ★💜PRINCE!💜★ w/ Yours Truly! Get Tix🎫Here <https://tinyurl.com/y75c6wjd>

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Flyer design: @unknownpleathers

#BlackMusicMonth

@earthwindandfire is one of the greatest (and my favorite) bands ever! Did y'all watch their new documentary that premiered tonight on @hbomax?

Reposted from @hbodocs

"The music you know. The story you don’t. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson @questlove tells the story of the Grammy-award winning band chronicling their evolution, highs and lows, spiritual meaning, and lasting legacy. #EarthWindandFireHBO premieres June 7 on @HBOMax

NYC #HouseMusic Lovers! WE OUTSIDE dancing & celebrating our culture & community this weekend!

🗓Today, June 6:

🔸️The 2nd Annual BROOKLYN IS HOUSE: Generations of Groove honoring NYC DJs & culture workers @djstorminnorman @kamalamuse @afflickted @miaphillips535 @therealrayhandsnyc @evelyn_style_icon

Sponsored by NYC Council Member @ChiOssé

🕑 2PM – 7PM

📍Herbert Von King Park, 670 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn

🔸️The 5th Annual Tribute to the legendary DJ Carlos Sanchez with music by @camerondadj @deccadance_records @djserge_negri @djspinna

⏰ 2PM – 8PM

📍@mosbarandlounge MO’s Bar & Lounge, 80 Lafayette Ave Brooklyn

🔸️The 3rd Annual Family Affair Block Party & After Party with vinyl sets by @djevildee @xplargepro @djace1200 @dj_bles_sed @snipsmusic @dj360nyc @bklynwins @maestro.chris @dj_administer

Co-presented by @prospectheightsopenstreets @bierwax @canyoudigitnyc @lyricistlounge #vanderbiltopenstreets

🕑 12PM–8PM

📍@bierwax Bierwax, 556 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn

🗓 Tomorrow, June 7:

🔸️@Frontyard.FM Presents Hot Music In The Park with music by @djtaranyc @saintjamesjoy, Soul Sugar, Professa Prince & the Frontyard FM crew

🕑 2PM

📍Herbert Von King Park, 670 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn

🎨 Big Chief #DemondMelancon

@qadamawi “SAY HER NAME” 2021

Glass Beads & Rhinestone on Canvas

✍️🏾 reposted from @africanarchives Today would have been Breonna Taylor’s 33rd birthday. For many people across America and around the world, her name became a symbol of the larger conversation about justice, policing, and the value of Black lives.

Breonna Taylor was born in 1993 in Louisville, KY. Friends and family described her as caring, ambitious, funny, and deeply committed to helping others. She worked as an emergency room technician and had dreams of becoming a nurse. During the COVID era especially, many people reflected on the fact that she was one of the healthcare workers helping care for others while building a future for herself.

On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor was killed during a late night police raid at her apartment. The incident sparked national outrage after details surrounding the warrant, the police operation, and the lack of immediate accountability became public. Her death quickly became one of the defining moments of the modern civil rights movement alongside widespread protests against racial injustice and police violence.

What made Breonna Taylor’s story resonate so deeply with many people was how ordinary her life was. She was not famous. She was not a politician or celebrity. She was a young Black woman working, planning for her future, spending time with loved ones, and trying to build a life like millions of others. That reality forced many Americans to confront uncomfortable questions about race, justice, and safety in their own country.

Her name also brought more attention to the role Black women have played in movements for justice, even though their stories are often overlooked in mainstream conversations. Across social media, protests, murals and community gatherings, people continued repeating her name to make sure she would not simply become another forgotten headline.

Today’s Google Doodle features #KameirahJohnson’s artwork, "Hair Power: The Crown That Grows from Us," the winner of the 2026 Doodle for Google contest. CONGRATULATIONS KAMEIRAH! We were so excited to vote and root FOR YOU!

Reposted from @google (June 4, 2026) We are thrilled to announce the national winner of this year’s Doodle for Google competition 🏆👑

Out of thousands of entries from brilliant students nationwide, Kameirah received the most votes from the public and our judges to take the top spot. In celebration of her achievement, she has been awarded a $55,000 college scholarship alongside a $50,000 technology package for her school to help inspire the next generation of creators. Congratulations, Kameirah!

Check out the #GoogleDoodle today to see Kameirah’s winning masterpiece, Hair Power: The Crown That Grows From Us.

Artist: Lamar Bailey @mann_made.art

Art: TAKE THE SHOT, 2026

24” x 18”

Mixed Media Collage on Panel

🎨 Reposted from @tanyaweddemiregallery

NYC Music Lovers! We have so many fantastic events happening this first week of #BlackMusicMonth 2026!

🗓 Thursday, June 4:

🔸️BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! @briccelebratebk 2026 Season Opener featuring the legendary @sheilae, @leonknightsucks and @DJSpinna

📍The Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park @prospect_park, 141 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, 11215

🕕 Doors at 6:00 PM; Show at 7:00 PM

🔸️Jamz and Conversation with the iconic producer Jimmy Jam @flytetymejam

📍Sony Hall @sonyhall, 235 W. 46th Street, NYC 10036

🕕 Doors at 6:00 PM; Show at 8:00 PM.

🎟 Tickets: www.SonyHall.com

🔸️ Carnegie Hall Citywide @carnegiehall Presents @GatewaysBrassCollective free outdoor performance

📍Times Square, Broadway Plaza (between 45th and 46th streets)

🕓 4:00 PM

🗓 Friday, June 5:

🔸️Valerie Simpson Presents Revelation & Jubilation: A Symphony Of Spirit featuring @damiensneed and the Orchestra of Tomorrow with special guests @officialtwinkieclark, @matthewwhitakerofficial, Phylicia Rashad, Kim Burrell and more

📍The Town Hall @townhallnyc

123 W. 43rd Street, NYC, 10036

🕗 8:00 PM

🎟 Tickets: www.thetownhall.org

HAPPY #BlackMusicMonth

🖼✍️🏾reposted from @naimagram @musicsermon We back! 

And I know I’m mad late for Day 1…again. 

The Roots picnic gotta stop happening around the 1st of June! (But my bad).  

I now declare the 2026 Black Music Month Challenge ON AND POPPING. 🪩

Y'all know the drill: I post each prompt here with the graphic daily around noon (!)

Use the #BlackMusicMonthChallenge hashtag and tag @musicsermon in your response, jump in the post replies, engage, have fun!!  For those of y'all multi platform folks, the challenge is also on Threads (@musicsermon) and back on X (@naima). I’m going to get on IG live tomorrow so we can have a little family refresher about how the challenge runs. Amen? 

Note: All the prompts you see with an “*” this year were submitted by members of the #MusicSermon community - y’all had some good ones! I’ll tag you in your prompt when I post it. 

I saw @baldsheagle’s prompt and knew it was the best place to start! (Thanks Alicia!)

For Day 1, share a song you would play for someone to introduce them to Black music.

My response: "On And On" by Gladys Knight and the Pips!