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CUNY Commemorates Black History Month With Array of Tributes
This story was first reported on CUNY.edu.
The City University of New York is commemorating Black History Month with an array of tributes to African-American history and achievement. CUNY campuses in all five boroughs have planned programs for February that celebrate the many rich contributions that have been made by African Americans in areas that include the arts, sciences and government.
Events include the 30th Anniversary Malcolm/King Awards Breakfast at John Jay College of Criminal Justice; Black Business Expos at Baruch and Queens Colleges; a tribute to the works of author Toni Morrison and lensman Gordon Parks at Lehman College; art exhibits; events that celebrate black entrepreneurs; and the annual Amadou Diallo Youth Commemoration Event at Bronx Community College.
“CUNY takes deep pride in the history of African-Americans who have enriched our campuses and gone on to make an indelible mark on the national landscape. During Black History Month, we recall the example of leaders like Shirley Chisholm, Colin Powell and others, and revere the example these pioneers set for subsequent generations,” said Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “We are proud to honor this rich legacy, and to recognize this year’s Black History Month timely theme, ‘African Americans and the Vote’ — by giving a broad platform to the CUNY community to express itself through this diverse collection of events.”
Below is a list of some of the events that are planned at CUNY colleges for Black History Month:
BARUCH COLLEGE
Opening Ceremony of Black History Month
Feb. 6, 12:40 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
Newman Vertical Campus (NVM), second floor lobby
55 Lexington Ave.
Kick-off Black History Month with us! Enjoy delicious refreshments, music, a photo booth, meet with our clubs and more! Open to students, faculty, and staff
Sip & Paint
Feb. 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
NVM,2nd floor Bearcat Den
55 Lexington Ave.
Join us for an adventure into Black Art and create a painting you can be proud of!
Editor Discussion: “Slavery’s Descendants”Feb. 13, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Information and Technology Building
151 E. 25 Street, Rackow Conference Rooms 750 and 760
Dionne Ford, co-editor of the book “Slavery’s Descendants,” discusses the vision of Coming to the Table, a national racial reconciliation organization. In “Slavery’s Descendants: Shared Legacies of Race and Reconciliation,” contributors tell their stories of dealing with America’s racial past through their experiences and their family histories. Some are descendants of slaveholders, others are descendants of the enslaved, and many are descendants of both slaveholders and the enslaved. They share a commitment to critical discussion and thinking about our nation’s history of oppression and its impact, as well as their quest to achieve a just and truthful society that acknowledges its past and seeks to heal. For students, faculty and staff.
RSVP by Feb. 10 to DiversityEventsRSVP@baruch.cuny.edu
Student, Faculty, and Staff Read-Aloud and Book Discussion:
“Slavery’s Descendants”
Feb. 4, 10-11:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.;1-2:30 p.m.; 2:30-4 p.m.
NVM, Room 14-266
55 Lexington Avenue
Sponsored by the Collective to Undo Racism at Baruch (CURB), this event features select chapters from “Slavery’s Descendants: Shared Legacies of Race and Reconciliation” to be read with a discussion following. Readings will take place in multiple time slots during the day. We are thankful for our community of facilitators: Adia Tucker, Elizabeth Merrick, Ronni Umles, Emelie Ali, Anna D’Souza, Robert Kunicki, Harmony Osei and Rita Ormsby. For students, faculty and staff. Please RSVP to DiversityEventsRSVP@baruch.cuny.edu
Curl Fest
Feb. 13, 6 p.m – 8 p.m
NVM, Room NVC 2-125
55 Lexington Avenue
An event to discuss the history, myths, expectations, and trends around Black hair. Don’t miss out on the free hair care products!
Black Family Feud
Feb. 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
NVM, Room 2-215
55 Lexington Avenue
Teams will go head to head in a game of Family Feud with a twist. Brush up on knowledge of Black culture and cheer for your favorite team.
The Year of Return
Feb. 20, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
NVM, Room 1-107
55 Lexington Avenue
An educational dialogue about the significance of The Year of Return, a major landmark spiritual and birth-right journey that marks 400 years of the arrival of enslaved Africans in Jamestown, VA. Open to all CUNY students.
Black Business Expo
Feb. 20, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
NVM, Room 2-125
55 Lexington Avenue
An opportunity for Black entrepreneurs to showcase their business and discuss their journey in the business world.
Amplifying Black Voices
Feb. 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
NVM, Book Store Cafe
55 Lexington Avenue
Express your passion and prose during a special open mic in celebration of Black culture.
Fourth Annual Diversity Career Expo
Feb 25, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
NVM, Room 14-220
55 Lexington Avenue
Sponsored by STARR, this event is an opportunity for students to meet employers interested in recruiting diverse new talent for internships, leadership programs and entry-level positions.
NABA Alumni Dinner
Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Information and Technology Building
151 E. 25 Street, Rackow Conference Room 750
The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) annual Alumni Dinner serving to connect the club’s current students to NABA alum.
Black Excellence Gala
Feb. 28, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
NVM, Room 1-107
55 Lexington Avenue
To close out Black History Month, we will have a Gala showcasing the beauty of Black Culture with special guests, performances, DJ, photo booth and more!
BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony
Feb. 5, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Student Cafeteria
199 Chambers Street
Manhattan
Join us as we kick off the 2020 spring semester with the African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony Celebration.The theme for this year’s celebration is Empowerment. The one-of-kind celebration will feature live drumming, dancing, African art, and student performances. We will also be serving a sampling of delicious African and Caribbean dishes.
Alumni Chat and Networking
Feb. 6, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Room S-341
The African Heritage Month Alumni Speaker Series provides a platform for BMCC graduates to motivate and inspire current students, while also providing the opportunity to network with alumni professionals. RSVP by Feb. 6.
African Heritage Month Art Exhibit
Feb. 18 – March 1
Library and Breezeway
Professor Brockington of the BMCC Center for Ethnic Studies has secured some outstanding paintings/prints and sculptures created by several famous artists for display at the College during February. The sculptures are the creation of Dr. Lorenzo Pace, the artist commissioned to build “Triumph of the Human Spirit”, which is the memorial piece at the African Burial Grounds.
Black Entrepreneur Panel
Feb. 19, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Richard Harris Terrace
Successful entrepreneurs of color (including two BMCC alumni) share strategies on developing a business. Bring questions and ideas. Attendees will have ample opportunity for questions and answers and networking with the panel. RSVP by Feb. 18.
African Heritage Movie Night
Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m – 8:30 p.m.
Room S-242
Celebrate African Heritage Month 2020 by going to the movies! Come and see movies that demonstrate examples of empowerment. Refreshments will be served and there will be a discussion about the movies shown.
BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Annual Amadou Diallo Youth Commemoration Event – Invasion of the Computer Geeks; Using Terabytes and Technology to Empower Youth, Create Careers, and Change the World.
Feb. 8, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
RSBC Playhouse
2155 University Avenue, The Bronx
The History and the Lived Experiences of African Americans in Law Enforcement – Panel
Feb. 13, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Nichols Hall 104
Did Lincoln Really Free the Slaves – Discussion Panel
RSBC Playhouse
Feb. 20, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
African Diaspora of the Americas Exposition; Celebrating the Diversity, Beauty and Resilience of African culture and history in the Americas.
Feb. 27, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Room TBA
2155 University Avenue, The Bronx
BROOKLYN COLLEGE
Black Entrepreneurial Spirit Panel Discussion
Feb. 18, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
2705 Campus Road, Gold Room
This event is a panel discussion that will highlight black entrepreneurial spirit. Panelists will share their start-up experiences with their respective industries to attendees. Also there will be an opportunity for attendees to network with black professionals and entrepreneurs.
Black History Month Launch Event
Feb. 6, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Grand Lobby of the Tow Center for the Performing Arts
Brooklyn College’s special Black History Month kickoff celebration is being organized by the Office of Diversity & Equity Programs and will include Brooklyn College President, Michelle J. Anderson and Anthony Brown, Chief Diversity Officer.
This celebration will also be highlighted by remarks from Prudence Cumberbatch, associate professor and chair of Africana Studies; a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” from Malcolm Merriweather and students from the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music; as well as a poetry reading by Rosamond King, associate professor from the Wolfe Institute. RSVPby Feb 3.
COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND
“A Place for all People” Exhibit
Feb. 1 – Feb. 29
CSI Library Gallery, Library Rotunda
2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island
This exhibit is open to the public and based on the National Museum of African American History and CultureLibrary Theatre Movie Series
Library Theatre, 1L-103
“I Am Not Your Negro”
Feb. 24, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
This event is open to the public.
“Am I Too African to Be American? Too American to Be African?”
Feb, 11, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
This event is open to the public.
“Blacking Up: Hip-Hop’s Remix of Race And Identity”
Feb. 20, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
This event is open to the public.
CSI Celebrates Reflections from the Lived Experiences of the Diaspora
Feb. 13, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1P-Lecture Hall
This event is open to the public. This event is sponsored by the Black Male Initiative.
The 1619 Project: A Presentation by Journalist and Author Dr. Linda Villarosa
Feb. 18, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1P-Lecture Hall
Join us for the “1619 Project,” a presentation by journalist and author Dr. Linda Villarosa. This event is sponsored by the English Department.
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Underground Railroad in Staten Island’s Antebellum History
Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
CSI St. George, 120 Stuyvesant Place, first floor, Staten Island
Join us for “Hiding in Plain Sight: The Underground Railroad in Staten Island’s Antebellum History,” presented by by CSI alumna Debbie-Ann Pai.
CUNY GRADUATE CENTER
Book Salon: You Don’t Look Like a Lawyer: Black Women and Systemic Gendered Racism
Feb. 19, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
365 Fifth Avenue, Skylight Room, Rm. 9100, Manhattan
Tsedale M. Melaku, a sociologist and alumna of The Graduate Center, will talk with CUNY Professor Angie Beeman about her recent book, “You Don’t Look Like a Lawyer: Black Women and Systemic Gendered Racism.” The book focuses on how race and gender play crucial roles in the experiences of women of color in traditionally white institutions. Melaku’s work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, NBC Left Field, the TODAY Show and the Fair Observer.
Beeman, an associate professor of sociology at Baruch College, is best known for her work on racism theory and interracial social movements. Event info here.
GUTTMAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Guttman Family Feud
Feb. 6, 11 a.m.
50 West 40th St., Manhattan
Students will participate in the Guttman version of the popular game show, Family Feud.
Art Exhibit with Professor Valdon Battice
Feb. 6, 1 p.m.
Display of artwork by critically-acclaimed photographer and Guttman Lecturer Valdon Battice.
Know Your Rights
Feb. 13, 11:30 a.m.
Student Success Advocate Uriah Brown will give a presentation to students about their rights when confronted.
Who Can Say the “N” Word?
Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m.
Discussion led by Dr. Marcus Allen.
HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Celebrating Distinguished Black Leaders and Student Scholars
Feb. 18, 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Hostos Café
500 Grand Concourse, The Bronx
Honoring Vanessa Gibson, NYC Councilwoman and Una Clarke, CUNY Trustee. RSVP by February 17.
HUNTER COLLEGE
Black History Month Convocation
Feb. 6, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Lang Recital Hall, fourth floor of Hunter’s North Building
695 Park Ave., Manhattan
Hunter College’s Department of Africana and Puerto Rican/Latino Studies (AFPRL) will host Hunter’s Black History Month Convocation. The guest speaker will be the Honorable H. Carl McCall, Hunter College’s Roosevelt House Leader in Residence, who will be in conversation with AFPRL Department Chair Anthony Browne.
“Always in Season” film screening, followed by a panel discussion
Feb. 21, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College
47-49 E. 65th St., Manhattan
The Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College will host a screening of the documentary film “Always in Season,” which explores the lingering impact of more than a century of lynching African Americans. The film centers on the case of Lennon Lacy, an African American teen who was found hanging from a swing set in Bladenboro, North Carolina, on Aug. 29, 2014. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.
For information or to RSVP, please email hrprsvp@hunter.cuny.edu
JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
The Psychology of Black History Collectibles: Its Therapeutic Implications
Feb. 25, 1:30 p.m.
L2.85 North Building
445 W. 59th St., Manhattan
Dr. Elvin Montgomery, adjunct assistant professor of psychology, is a consultant and appraiser specializing in historical and cultural materials and collectibles.
30th Anniversary Malcolm/King Awards Breakfast
Feb 28, 8:30 a.m.
Haaren Hall, fourth floor gym
Please note this is a ticketed event: $45 per person
HONOREES
Kenneth Holmes
Vice President of Student Affairs, Howard University
Yvonne W. Purdie
Director of Undergraduate Student Services,
Department of Public Management, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Jumaane Williams
New York City Public Advocate
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Rev. Al Sharpton
Founder and President, National Action Network
Contact:
Rulisa Galloway-Perry
336-16 Haaren Hall
rgalloway@jjay.cuny.edu
(212) 237-8701
All proceeds support the Malcolm/King Leadership Awards.
LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Mental Health and the Black Experience
Feb. 12, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., M-building, MB10
Dr. Shante Bassett from The Wellness Center will provide a workshop on mental health and the black experience and how generational and societal experiences hinder us from seeking support at times when we need it most.
Sip and Paint
Feb. 19, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
E-building, E-Atrium
In honor of Black History Month, please join us in the E-Atrium to celebrate through the visual arts. Instructed by members of the Fine Arts Club, students will have a variety of inspirational quotes and visual images to choose from in order to participate in their own painting experience. Unique beverages will be served.
Drum Circle
Feb. 27, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
35-18 37th St., Astoria
In honor of Black History Month, we are organizing an off-campus trip to the Wula Drum studio. It is an engaging team building activity that is rooted in the music and dance of the African diaspora. Each individual will be given a drum and the program is designed to educate, empower, and entertain. There are no musical capabilities required!
Jeopardy: Black Herstory Edition
Mar. 11, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
E-building, E-242
31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City
Join us for snacks, facts and fun! Jeopardy: Black Herstory Edition is an interactive game where students test their knowledge on facts about notable black women and bring student observers into the game to help them win.
LEHMAN COLLEGE
A Tribute to the Creative Arts: Honoring the Works of Toni Morrison and Gordon Parks
Feb. 5, 11 a.m.
East Dining Room
250 Bedford Park Boulevard W., The Bronx
The Urban Male Leadership Program the Department of Africana Studies at Lehman College will celebrate Black History Month with: “A Tribute to the Creative Arts: Honoring the Works of Toni Morrison and Gordon Parks.” Special guest speaker: Rev. Alamazie M. Warren, head Minster of Children and Youth, at the historical Convent Avenue Baptist Church. Rev. Warren is a teacher, trainer of ministry development and a motivational speaker.
The Jungle and Food Justice
Feb. 13, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The Music Building’s East Dining Room
The CUNY Institute for Health Equity, together with the Lehman College Social Justice Committee and the schools of Arts and Humanities, Health Sciences, Human Services and Nursing, co-sponsor this panel discussion moderated by Lehman professor Robyn Spencer of the History Department and professor Mary Phillips of the Africana Studies Department. Panelists include members of the Black Panthers and Young Lords, who will discuss their food justice activities.
This event is supported by the Humanities New York series, The Serious Side of Food.
Young, Gifted and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art, Opening Reception
Feb. 26, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Lehman College Art Gallery
https://www.lehmangallery.org/
“Young, Gifted and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art,” featuring the work of 50 artists from this traveling collection, curated by Matt Wycoff and Antwaun Sargent, will be on view at the Lehman College Art Gallery in the Bronx beginning Feb. 8. Opening reception is scheduled for Feb. 26. Featured artists include Kara Walker, Rashid Johnson, Kerry James Marshall, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye and Glenn Ligon.
MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE
Guardians of the Ankh
Feb. 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Edison O. Jackson Auditorium
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
The Medgar Evers College Black History Month Committee in collaboration with Maat Moves proudly present a panel discussion exploring how the Ancient Nile Valley influences the world.
Guardians of the Ankh (GOTA) is a lecture series and forum that speaks to those who are seeking to (re)connect with the truth about Ancient Afra Kemetic studies, culture, and lifestyle.
Guest speakers include:
- Naswt Biti Ra Sankhu Kheper, High Priest and Ankh Bearing Scholar
- Tony Browder, renowned scholar and Nile Valley expert
Black Achievements in Science
Feb. 10, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Edison O. Jackson Auditorium
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
The Medgar Evers College Black History Month Committee in collaboration with the School of Science, Health, and Technology present a conversation with Avery August, Ph.D.
Avery August, Ph.D. is Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor, Professor of Immunology, and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Cornell University.
He is also co-director of the Cornell Center for Health Equity at Cornell University. He received a BS in Medical Technology from California State University at Los Angeles, a Ph.D. in Immunology from Cornell University’s Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Rockefeller University as a National Science Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellow.
His research focuses on understanding the immunological basis for the balance of inflammation and pathology.
Civil Rights Book Collection and Panel Discussion
Feb 13, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Library, ground floor
1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
This collaborative event between the Library and the Department of Public Administration features a permanent book display devoted to civil rights and social justice and a panel discussion. The results of the library’s collaborative collection development effort will be presented in addition to an online research guide component and a pamphlet of selected books. Attendees are also invited to view several displays, including a presentation based on the New York Times Magazine 1619 project and the Golden Legacy Illustrated History Magazine exhibit.
The panel discussion will focus on policies that affect our communities and will be moderated by Dr. Wallace Ford. The five panelists include a representative from the NAACP; Jennifer Jones Austin; Paul Williams; Raymond Goulbourne; and Dr. Don A. Dayson.
The Life and Times of Marcus Garvey
Feb 14, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Academic Building 1, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, ground floor
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
Sponsored by the People of the Sun Middle Passage Collective, this event honors and celebrates the life and work of the Black liberation and Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey and the times in which he lived.
As a prominent Black leader whose ideas on Black economic independence and entrepreneurship inspired and promoted Black communities to take ownership and responsibility for their social and economic destinies, Marcus Garvey reflects the values of Black History Month and its objective to honor the heroes of Black culture and their contributions to the lives of Blacks throughout the world.
His influences on outstanding Black historic leaders like Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela, and Rosa Parks speak to Garvey’s relevance and influence on Black thought and activism hundreds of years later.
“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
Feb 19,11:30 AM – 1 PM
Academic Building 1, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, ground floor
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
In the tradition of The Great American Read, the Department of English presents the annual Medgar Evers College Big Read-a collaborative, interdisciplinary endeavor which features “The Bluest Eye” in honor of literary icon Toni Morrison.
The Medgar Evers College Big Read brings together students and faculty to spark thoughtful conversation and social engagement, as well as offer a platform for research and writing. Guest speakers include Dr. Farah Griffin, Dr. Dana Williams, Professor Tiphanie Yanique and film producer Sandra Guzman.
Film Screening: “The Pieces I Am”
Feb 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Academic Building 1, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, ground floor
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
Join us to celebrate and experience the life and work of literary icon Toni Morrison in an exclusive film screening of the documentary, “The Pieces I Am.”
Artists As Activists
Feb 20, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Academic Building 1, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, ground floor
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
This panel will feature Black artists who use their platforms to promote social justice and human rights. Featuring artists Mari Malek and Tamara Thomas.
Census 2020: Everyone Counts!
Feb 24, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Academic Building 1, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, ground floor
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
Through an interactive discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the importance of embracing their cultural history while learning why it is imperative for everyone to be counted in the 2020 Census.
The Legacy of Black Wall Street: Building Generational Wealth through Entrepreneurship
Feb 26, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Academic Building 1, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, ground floor
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
This event focuses on the legacy of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street and its influence on the socioeconomic advancement of the Black community.
By discussing the importance of opportunities that help facilitate financial mobility, attendees learn to explore ways to create generational wealth through innovative business ventures. The discussion also serves to encourage attendees to begin thinking of ways to generate additional streams of income and strategies to optimize their professional skills.
Guest speakers include Adenah Bayoh along with a panel of Black business owners and entrepreneurs.
Artist’s Talks and Exhibit: Laura James + Charles Hearn
Feb 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bedford Building, Library, ground floor
1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
The art exhibit on the Library’s second floor displays paintings by Laura James and Charles Hearn.
The exhibit opening will feature a talk with Laura James, a self-taught painter and illustrator who employs the Ethiopian Christian Art form (an ancient way of making icons) and expands on the collection of stories traditionally painted in this style.
The exhibit also features a talk with Charles Hearn, an artist, web designer, and illustrator whose work is deeply embedded in the history and non-fictional narratives of prominent historic figures of the African Diaspora.
History Along the Nile River Documentary: From Crops To Stocks
Feb 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Academic Building 1, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, ground floor
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
This documentary presents a snapshot of economic history spanning from the dawn of civilization to today, from crops to stocks.
The underlying theme of the film explores the interrelationship between the essential components of economics and politics. Exploring how historical events continue to impact us today, the film examines aspects of history along the Nile River and the key role the economics of the Nile played in the development of civilization.
The kingdoms along the Nile used their ecology to develop the world’s first mega economies. This documentary investigates the failure of a consumption-driven Black economy through the lens of cause and effect, from systematic poverty, disenfranchisement, and the decline of entrepreneurship. HAPI addresses many complex problems and suggests innovative ideas for successfully competing in the global economy. The film explores where this competitive acumen has been lost, how we came to lose it, and how we can once again obtain the necessary financial skills to compete on the world stage.
Soul Food Festival
Feb 26, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Academic Building 1, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, ground floor
1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
Soul food as we know it has always been a part of African-American culture and carries added significance beyond nourishment.
It is with this mind that we have carefully selected dishes that speak to the role soul food played in the lives of past and present generations of African-Americans. The event will also include as speaker who will discuss the role of soul food in African- and Caribbean-American culture.
NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
The Missing Chapter: BLACK CHRONICLES Exhibit
Feb. 6 – March 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grace Gallery
300 Jay Street, Brooklyn
http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/african-studies
The photographic portraits in the curated exhibits The Missing Chapter: BLACK CHRONICLES offer a distinct snapshot of black lives and migrant experiences during the decades following the birth of photography in 1839.
The Missing Chapter: BLACK CHRONICLES Panel Discussion
Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Grace Gallery
A panel discussion of the photographic portraits in the curated exhibits The Missing Chapter: BLACK CHRONICLES, which offer a distinct snapshot of black lives and migrant experiences during the decades following the birth of photography in 1839.
Soul Steps
Feb. 18, 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
285 Jay Street
http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/african-studies
Soul Steps will illustrate the dynamic percussive dance movement called Stepping. The interactive presentation will also include an overview of the history and healing power of Stepping throughout the African Diaspora.
QUEENS COLLEGE
Black Business Expo
Feb 26, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Q Side Lounge in the Q Cafe
65-30 Kissena Boulevard
Queens
The Queens College Black Student Union presents the second annual Black Business Expo, featuring small and large Black-owned businesses. There is no fee to attend. Some of the businesses range from clothing to sweet treats, candles to ice cream and include a non-profit for youth development. For more info, please email: rpadmore97@gmail.com
Hale Aspacio Woodruff: Selections from the “Atlanta Portfolio”
Feb. 1, 10 a.m. – Feb. 27, 5 p.m.
Godwin-Ternbach Museum
405 Klapper Hall
From Feb. 1-27, the Godwin-Ternbach Museum of Queens College will highlight four prints by Hale Aspacio Woodruff, an African-American artist known primarily for his murals and oil paintings. Woodruff lived in the South from 1931-1946, and the works in this series, “The Atlanta Portfolio,” vividly describe both the horrors and joys of African-American lives. In the Sept. 21, 1942, issue of Time, Woodruff stated: “We are interested in expressing the South as a field, as a territory, its peculiar run-down landscape, its social and economic problems – the Negro people.” Hale Aspacio Woodruff was an extremely accomplished artist who expressed his identity in lyrical abstract paintings replete with African symbolism and iconography. His earlier work was much more expressionistic and rooted in describing African American lives and experiences. Highly regarded by his peers and youthful followers, Woodruff remains an artist to investigate further, both for his art and for his commitment to communicate, educate, and to introduce new ideologies.
The Godwin-Ternbach Museum is open Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public
QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Black Inventions Exhibit for Black History Month
Feb. 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Student Union Lounge
222-05 56th Avenue
Bayside, NY
The QCC Student Government is hosting the Black Inventions Exhibit on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Student Union Lounge. This is a multimedia presentation, which pays tribute to Black inventors and innovators. The exhibit will reveal many surprising facts, and highlights their accomplishments in the fields of Science, Aerospace Communication, Health Care, Agriculture, Transportation, and Engineering. The aim of BIE is not only to give credit to the inventors, but to inspire others to believe that anything is possible. Over 150 authentic artifacts are represented in the collection and include: Patent designs, personal letters, rare photographs, brief biographies of Black American inventors and video documentaries. Thisexhibit is free for all students, faculty and staff to attend. The event is open to the public.
YORK COLLEGE
Conversation for the Culture: HBCU Edition
Feb. 11, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
African American Resource Center
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica
The HBCU program will discuss the educational, social and economic impact of HBCUs and their contributions to the upward mobility of diverse communities as a driving force in the progress of the United States.
Black History – Trivia Night
Students VS. Alumni
Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
African American Resource Center
Black History Month Blood Drive
Feb. 19, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Atrium
Reading and Book Signing
Still on This Journey: The Vision and Mission of Dr. Ron Daniels
Feb. 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Faculty Dining Room
Black Student-Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurship Fair: Drawing from the past, looking forward to the future
Feb. 25, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Atrium
African American Read In Featuring Cheryl Wills
Feb. 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Faculty Dining Room
Join us in this year’s celebration of the voices of African American writers
Film Series
Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Room 3D01
Film: “Red Tails”
Feb 18, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Rm. 3D01
Film: “The Rape of Recy Taylor”
Feb 25, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Rm 3D01
Film: “Hidden Figures”
Women’s Empowerment Film Series
Feb. 18, 12 p.m.- 2 p.m.
Room 3B04
Commemorating Black History Month, join us for our February installment of the Women’s Empowerment Film Series as we view the documentary “13th” directed by Ava DuVernay.
Women’s Empowerment Book Club
Feb. 27, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Rm. 3B04
Join us for this month’s book: How To Be An AntiRacist by Ibram X. Kendi. Limited copies of the book are available free of charge in the Women’s Center (AC – 3C01).
The City University of New York is the nation’s largest urban public university, a transformative engine of social mobility that is a critical component of the lifeblood of New York City. Founded in 1847 as the nation’s first free public institution of higher education, CUNY today has seven community colleges, 11 senior colleges and seven graduate or professional institutions spread across New York City’s five boroughs, serving 500,000 students and awarding 55,000 degrees each year. CUNY’s mix of quality and affordability propels almost six times as many low-income students into the middle class and beyond as all the Ivy League colleges combined. More than 80 percent of the University’s graduates stay in New York, contributing to all aspects of the city’s economic, civic and cultural life and diversifying the city’s workforce in every sector. CUNY’s graduates and faculty have received many prestigious honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes and 26 MacArthur “Genius” Grants. The University’s historic mission continues to this day: provide a first-rate public education to all students, regardless of means or background.
Press Contact:
Andrea Fagon
Director of Marketing and Communications
andrea.fagon@cuny.edu
(646) 664-8690