New York City has long been a beacon of Black culture, history and activism, making it the perfect place to honor Black History Month. Whether through the rise of the Harlem Renaissance, the jazz clubs that birthed musical legends or the activists who fought for civil rights, the city’s five boroughs tell powerful stories of resilience and achievement.
Explore Black History with Jojo’s Ventures
Jojo’s Ventures offers personalized walking tours across all five boroughs, blending history, culture and community insights. Founded by Joseph (Joe) Landon, a NYC native and history expert, Jojo’s Ventures is a Black-owned and operated tour company that brings overlooked narratives to life.
Landon, a lifelong resident of the Bronx and Harlem, spent years exploring the city’s hidden gems. With over 20 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, he launched Jojo’s Ventures to share NYC’s untold stories through curated, engaging tours.
“I founded Jojo’s Ventures out of a deep fascination with my family’s history. Visiting my maternal grandfather’s homeland—Jamaica and Panama—deepened my understanding of the Black, Caribbean and African heritage that shaped NYC,” said Landon.
A Personal Approach
Unlike standard NYC tours, Jojo’s Ventures takes a highly personalized approach, offering small-group and private experiences tailored to uncover the untold stories of New York’s diverse communities.
“As a former educator, I believe learning is a lifelong journey. My tours highlight the overlooked contributions of Black leaders, artists and activists who shaped NYC’s history,” he added.
Jojo’s Ventures offers year-round tours, with the most popular experiences of cultural tours through Harlem, Greenwich Village and Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy).
The tour company also offers its Jazz in NYC: A Day Trip Through Music History where guests discover how New York City became the birthplace of jazz legends. From the early days of Ragtime and Bebop to the legendary speakeasies of Harlem, this tour highlights the iconic venues, artists and hidden jazz history across Harlem, Greenwich Village and Bed-Stuy.
“Just like the Black experience itself, countless untold stories are waiting to be shared. I curate my tour themes with this same perspective, bringing overlooked narratives to light,” added Landon.
There is also the Roots of Activism: NYC’s Social Justice History tour. NYC has long been at the heart of civil rights and social movements, and this tour explores Marcus Garvey’s UNIA, Al Sharpton’s National Action Network and other key sites that shaped activism in America.
“Whether leading neighborhood explorations or themed day trips, my deep-rooted connection to New York fuels my passion for sharing its rich history and untold stories,” said Landon. To learn more about Jojo’s Ventures, Landon welcomes you to follow him on his social media platforms:
- Facebook: facebook.com/jojosventuresnyc
- Instagram: @jojosventuresnyc
- X: @JojoVenturesNYC
- Tiktok: @jojosventuresnyc
For more information, visit jojosventuresnyc.com.
