Reunion, Remembrance and the Legacy of Deep Culture Marked the Official Kick-Off Event for Black History Month
Students, faculty and staff streamed into the Student Union Lounge (SUL) last Thursday, eager to celebrate the second annual Family Reunion, the official kick-off for Black History Month at Queensborough.
The room was decorated in the color of gold, universally associated with achievement, success, and excellence. Tables featured centerpieces with words like legacy and resistance. All of it to acknowledge that while African Americans have faced a painful history in this country, the culture has a legacy marked by excellence, joy, and enduring resilience.
Professor Gail Lewis, Communications, Theatre and Media Production served as emcee, leading a spirited trivia game of "Heads Up, Cousins!", an opportunity to learn about the family reunion's historical connection to the culture.
Joshua Jones, a Cybersecurity major, and bass guitar player, was thumbing through a book, The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of my Music and Culture, by Chris Thomas King. “I love learning about the history of different Black music genres.”
President Christine Mangino welcomed everyone and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) for their wonderful creative effort in organizing what has become an annual event.
President Mangino added, “It is more important than ever, given this current political environment, to double down and make sure we are including Black history across the curriculum and in everything we do on campus.”
Amaris Matos, Assistant Vice President for Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, said, “There are many people who worked hard to make this event a success, from the food servers to the music selection, to the PowerPoint presentation, the amazing decorations, and o much more. And I think this is a beautiful example of what we love about the community here at Queensborough. I encourage more folks to get involved on campus and participate in the great events we have lined up for Black History Month.”
A special presentation was given by Danny Sexton, Associate Professor, English, on the Historical Legacy of the Family Reunion.
Queensborough student Ashari Heath was sitting at a table pondering a trivia question centered on the heart of the Black experience in New York City. She guessed it: Harlem. Ashari will graduate this spring with an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree in accounting and then turn right around and come back to Queensborough for a second degree in Nursing. “My older sister, a nurse, has inspired me to follow in her footsteps.”
Ismael Hassan, a second semester student majoring in mechanical engineering, was inspired in another way. “I am here because I love my Black community and I want everyone to feel included.”
Nathalay Vermil, also majoring in mechanical engineering, said she wanted to be part of something special, something social. “Whenever I have free time, I like to participate in events. Queensborough has so many social advantages.”
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Family Reunion, The Official Kick-off for Black History Month was Sponsored by the Office of The President and The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA).
Special thanks to:
The Office of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
The Division of Strategic Initiatives and Advancement
Buildings & Grounds
Academic Computing Center
The Kurt R. Schmeller Library
Professor Gail Lewis, Communications, Theatre and Media Production
Southern Girls Restaurant
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