The two black female superheroes you see in the accompanying photograph, screened onto T-shirts, represent the forward-thinking ideas of this shop's owners. They were designed to remind children, and everybody else, that the superhero world is not for 'whites only', as has been depicted since that world's invention.
The store was very calm and peaceful the last day I visited, with quiet music filling the modern, high-ceilinged room, while manager Aushauni glided around making things 'right'.
There are several heroes to consider from among many more kinds of work, all of it themed to black culture with one being a riff on the Black Power salute created by gold medalist Tommie Smith and bronze medalist John Carlos, 200 metre victors at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Everyone knows the famous photograph in which Smith and Carlos each wear a black glove but few notice that one glove is on the right hand, the other on the left.
That is because between them they could find only one pair, so as black victors they wore the gloves, but all three, including the silver medalist Peter Norman, wore Olympic Project for Human Rights badges on their tunics.
Back in the day theirs was an extremely radical salute and gesture, sort of like how black superheroes are perceived today.
Explore New York like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.
You can see eight of the thirty-six paintings by "Johannes Vermeer" in New York City. There's a ninth one, but it's behind closed doors...
By
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
By
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
By
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
By
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
By
I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
By
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
By
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
By
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
By
"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line
By
"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
By
299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters