breaking.it.down

One of my friends from Morehouse is new to NYC, and is looking for a black good party! He’s interning at GS (Gold Star Concierge and Lifestyle Management) with all white co-workers, and has only experienced one aspect of city life. He called me recently and wanted to experience a different side of NYC — one that he’s more accustomed to. So, I came up with a list of 5 ways to gain access t black, social networks in a new city. 

1.) Alumni Networks  - Getting in touch with alumni and alumnae of your school used to be an enduring task. Now these contacts are accessible through school websites and phonebooks, and are much easier. Don’t think that these former students are only available to you for business/professional purposes. Remember, they were students not too long ago, and would’ve wanted similar resources and networks if they were looking for things to do in a new city back in the day. 

2.) Conferences - There are conferences like the 100 Black Men and IndianaBlack Expo that connect black students from the area. These are perfect opportunities, to not only network professionally and learn, but to meet new people in a new city. 

3.) Facebook  - Ahh, the infamous facebook. It seems overstated, but facebook is really one of the best resources and networks out there, as it relates to meeting new people. On facebook, there are groups designed for students in new cities, like the Spelhouse NYC network, and other similar networks. Don’t be afraid to look for these, and also, don’t be afraid to start a group, if there isn’t one. 

4.) Reach out to friends from school - If you’re working in a new city, chances are someone from your school is working in a similar location. Communicate with them, and who knows, they might know 5 other people looking for a good time in a new city as well. They key is communication. 

5.) Twitter - At school, twitter is one of, if not the most reliable source when it comes to learning of parties and social gatherings. Create hashtags like #newtonyc or #lookingforapartyinTX, and chances are something similar will pop up.