Join us this February as we celebrate Black History Month. Hostos Community College’s Black Studies Unit has put together a full program of events, which includes a discussion on removing oppressive monuments and facilitating racial and social justice; a presentation from Hostos’ Black Studies alumni; a read-in celebrating the richness of Black literary tradition; and a West African dance workshop.

See the full schedule and details below.

Removing Symbols of Oppression and Facilitating Healing
February 6, 2 p.m. | B-501
Professor Cequyna Moore, Program Director of the World Heritage Monuments Toolkit Project and Black Studies Faculty, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College

The murder of George Floyd served as a clarion call for the global community to reckon with oppressive monuments and the problematic histories they have come to represent. The world saw all professions incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in their practices. The heritage preservation community is no different. Traditionally maligned as out of touch with current issues and blocking progress, how can this profession be relevant and be a means to facilitate healing from trauma? Cequyna Moore, Program Director of the World Heritage Monuments Toolkit Project, will discuss efforts in the United States and the world at large to bridge monuments and discussions and actions to facilitate racial, social, and economic justice. Light food and refreshments will be served.
 
A Conversation with Black Studies Alumni
Thursday, February 16, 5:30 p.m. | B-501
Professor Anamaría Flores, Moderator, Black Studies, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College

Black Studies Alumni will present on how Black Studies courses at Hostos informed their present academic trajectories and careers. This activity will also feature a mixer component to facilitate one-on-one conversations between current Hostos and Black Studies students and alumni. Light food and refreshments will be served.

The Hostos Community College African American Read-In
Thursday, February 23, 5:30 p.m. | B-501
Professor Cynthia Jones, Moderator, English Department, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College

In 1990, the Black Caucus of the National Teachers of English (NCTE) instituted the African American Read-In. Hostos Community College will join a nationwide community of readers to celebrate the richness and depth of Black literary tradition. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to share their favorite Black poetic works. Contact Professor Cynthia Jones and Professor Saidah Henderson for more information on how to participate: cjones@hostos.cuny.edu | sahenderson@@hostos.cuny.edu
Light food and refreshments will be served.
 
West African Dance Workshop
Monday, February 27, 12:30 p.m. | C-152, Dance Studio
Maguette Camara, Manekadang Dance and Drum Artistic Director | Alvin Ailey School and Extension Dance Faculty

Maguette Camara is a recognized West African choreographer, musician, and instructor. He began his career with the Ballet Bougarabou Dance Company and his extensive experiences with this company allowed him to perform and present workshops in Morocco, Canada, Senegal, and the United States, earning him the privileged opportunity to perform as the representative of Senegal in the festival of De Jeunes Createurs. Mr. Camara has performed in diverse venues and events such as the Lincoln Center Outdoor Concert Series, the Guggenheim Museum, the Rolling Stones World Tour, Epcot Center Disney World, the World Trade Center Jazz Festival among others. Mr. Camara currently serves as the Artistic Director of Manekadang-Dance and Drum and teaches regularly at the Alvin Ailey School and Extension. This dance workshop will celebrate the dance forms of West Africa and get you moving!