Macy’s Celebrates Black Art, Expression and Culture During Black History Month

Macy’s hosts BJ The Chicago Kid, Jay Ellis, Marcus Samuelsson,
Crissle West and more at eight stores nationwide

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–This February, Macy’s celebrates Black History Month by welcoming a host
of stars from a variety of fields including fine art, music, literature,
the culinary arts, and spoken word. Black culture has electrified the
pulse of American life for generations, from music and fashion to film,
television and activism. It has created a wave of change that has helped
propel the country to new heights. This year, our celebrity guests will
share how creative self-expression and a strong connection to their
heritage have shaped their careers. As part of Macy’s Black History
Month celebrations, Grammy-nominated artist BJ The Chicago Kid,
“Insecure” actor Jay Ellis, award-winning Macy’s Culinary Council Chef
Marcus Samuelsson, and “The Read” podcast host Crissle West will join
other emerging stars in conversations focused on the influence and
impact of black culture on all facets of American life.

“Macy’s is once again thrilled to celebrate the contributions African
Americans have made to our nation with special events in our stores.
Macy’s values the diversity of all of its customers and inclusion and
respect are at the heart of our core values. We are happy to join with
our associates and customers nationwide in honoring the legacy of
African American achievement during Black History Month and beyond,”
said Kristyn Doar-Page, Macy’s vice president of Diversity & Inclusion
Strategies.

In New York City and Washington, D.C., writer and pop culture
commentator Crissle West will moderate thought-provoking conversations
with local artists. In Philadelphia and Atlanta, Chef Marcus Samuelsson
will share stories from his new book, “The Red Rooster Cookbook: The
Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem!” In Chicago, BJ The Chicago Kid and
Jay Ellis will participate in an engaging panel discussion and talk with
the audience.

Rapper, spoken-word poet, actor and activist Saul Williams serves as the
national ambassador for Macy’s Black History Month Celebration.
Exclusive video performances and interviews from Williams, hailed as the
“poet laureate of hip-hop” by “CNN,” will be featured at www.macys.com/celebrate.

“I am very glad Macy’s is furthering the discourse around artistic
self-expression in black culture. As a performer who uses words to bring
attention to social justice causes, I feel it is paramount to stimulate
engagement and awareness through our words and our art,” said Williams.

BJ The Chicago Kid is an R&B recording artist who recently delivered a
soulful rendition of the national anthem preceding President Obama’s
farewell address. His debut album, “In My Mind,” has been nominated for
three 2017 Grammy Awards. He recently released a mixtape, “The Lost
Files: Cuffing Season” and a new video for his homage to Marvin Gaye,
“Uncle Marvin.”

Jay Ellis is a talented actor best known for his roles on HBO’s
“Insecure” and BET’s “The Game.” His other credits include
guest-starring roles on “Hart of Dixie,” “How I Met Your Mother,”
“NCIS,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“I am grateful to be among those Macy’s has selected to discuss the
powerful impact artistic black voices are having on today’s American
culture,” said Jay Ellis. “There couldn’t be a better time to come
together to talk about the strides we have made and the road ahead.”

Marcus Samuelsson is the acclaimed chef behind Red Rooster Harlem,
Ginny’s Supper Club, and Streetbird Rotisserie. He is a committed
philanthropist and the youngest person to ever receive a three-star
review from “The New York Times.” Samuelsson has won multiple James
Beard Foundation Awards, including Best Chef: New York City, and was
tasked with planning and executing the Obama Administration’s first
State dinner. Samuelsson was also crowned champion of television shows
“Top Chef Masters” and “Chopped All Stars,” and served as a mentor on
ABC’s “The Taste”. In October of 2016, he released his newest book, “The
Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem!”

“I am thrilled to be celebrating Black History Month with Macy’s,” said
Marcus Samuelsson. “I look forward to paying homage to black culture’s
impact on the culinary arts and sharing some of my favorite bites and
stories with guests in Philadelphia and Atlanta.”

Crissle West is a writer and the female co-host of the hit comedy
podcast, “The Read,” a weekly show covering the latest in entertainment
news. Crissle’s written work has been published in “ESSENCE” magazine
and she has appeared on panels covering race, gender, and sexuality.

“I am really looking forward to engaging with young people and sharing
stories of how black culture has influenced my personal and professional
journey,” Crissle said.

At each of the Black History Month events, Macy’s customers will have an
opportunity to meet and greet with event talent. For additional
information on Macy’s Black History Month festivities, please visit
macys.com/celebrate.

Macy’s Black History Month events will be held at the following stores:

Macy’s Herald Square (New York City) – Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m.
Macy’s
City Center (Philadelphia) – Thursday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Macy’s
State Street (Chicago) – Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Macy’s
Baldwin Hills (Los Angeles) – Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Macy’s
Lenox Square (Atlanta) – Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
Macy’s Lenox
Square (Atlanta) – Friday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
Macy’s Aventura
(Aventura, FL) – Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.
Macy’s Union Square
(San Francisco) – Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
Macy’s Metro Center
(Washington, D.C.) – Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers
fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 670
locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam,
as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international
destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its
stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers
distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive
and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic
events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day
Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower
shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including
Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State
Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in
southern California — are known internationally and are leading
destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition,
and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps
strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving
more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives
of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit
our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.

Contacts

Macy’s
Emily Hawkins, 646-429-7458
Emily.Hawkins@macys.com
or
Christine
Olver Nealon, 646-429-5713
Christine.Olver@macys.com