REVISED:

The Black Achievement Awards ceremony is canceled for February 23. 

"A Mighty River," which was scheduled for February 11, will now take place on March 2.

African American History Month at Rockland Community College

Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted

Suffern, NY - SUNY Rockland Community College and the African American History Month Committee are presenting events in honor of African American History Month celebrated nationwide in February.

Schedule:

February 1 – 28

Art Underground, Library Media Center, lower level

Exhibits: Heroes of African American History and Haitian art display

Call for Library hours (845) 574-4409

The exhibit, Heroes of African American History, features biographies of prominent African American men and women who have inspired us throughout history. Manonce Celestine, an RCC employee, also has pieces in the show. Born in Guadeloupe, Celestine lived in the Caribbean as a young boy. The magic and mysticism of his Caribbean culture influences his work to this day. Celestine’s work has been exhibited in numerous shows, often with juried recognition, including the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art. Since living in New York, he’s taken an interest in the realism of his new surroundings.

February 1 – March 2

Exhibit: Mighty River

Cultural Arts Center Walkway

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 - 5 p.m.

Large panels document the presence and contributions of people of the African Diaspora to the social and economic development along the Hudson River.

Friday, February 12, 6-9 p.m.

Gospel Concert

Cultural Arts Theater

A dynamic Gospel performance portraying the African American cultural experience through the meaningful and inspirational celebration of music. Performers are from Grace Point Gospel Fellowship of New City, Pilgrim Baptist Church of Nyack, St. Charles AME Zion Church of Sparkill, and Trinity Ensemble. Info: (845) 574-4396. Event is in celebration of RCC's 50th Anniversary.

Thursday, February 18, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Technology Center, Room 8180 (Ellipse)

Lecture: Black New Yorkers and the struggle for Civil Rights

David Lucander, Instructor of Pluralism & Diversity in America at RCC, will explore ways that Black New Yorkers contributed locally and nationally to the Civil Rights Movement.  He will cover sit-ins in Brooklyn, Stokely Carmichael, and the surprising similarities in the goals of “Black Power” and traditional Civil Rights struggles.

Tuesday, February 23, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Theater

Ida B. Wells Presentation and Dance Performance

The Ida B. Wells presentation celebrates through music, dance, and oratory the life and work of a remarkable journalist, feminist, and change-maker of the 20th century. Presented by Wylene Wood, President of The African American Historical Society of Rockland and the RCC Performing Arts Department.

February 24, 7:00 p.m.

Black Achievement Awards

Cultural Arts Theater

Admission: By invitation only

Celebrate academic achievement, outstanding participation and accomplishment of local children of color in the categories of community service, artistic expression, athletic ability and accomplishment, leadership activity and personal triumph and success. Event is in celebration of RCC's 50th Anniversary.
Info: Brian Merritt at (845) 786-2413 or Beverly Jackson at (845) 574-4700

Saturday, February 27, 8 p.m.

Cultural Arts Theater

Forever Ray: Whitley and the Hard Times Band

Enjoy the music of Ray Charles, which includes a blend of musical styles ranging from Jazz and Blues to Country and R&B.  The band has performed in such venues as Jazz at Lincoln Center and BB King’s Blues Club in NYC. Info:  www.ForeverRay.com.

Tuesday, March 2, 10 a.m. - Noon.

Cultural Arts Theater and Atrium

A Mighty River

Admission: By invitation only. Info 845-574-4026

A Mighty River, designed for grades 6-11, highlights the contributions of people of the African Diaspora to the social and economic development along the Hudson River.  This is a multi-faceted event, which includes drama, music, an exhibit and a lecture.

For more information, contact African American History Month Co-Chairs, Lisa Schachter at 845-574-4396, lschacht@sunyrockland.edu or Jeanne Howell at 845-574-4229, jhowell@sunyrockland.edu

Stay informed: sign up for RCC's free monthly e-newsletter of events by visiting www.sunyrockland.edu and clicking into the "Sign up for events newsletter" button on the lower right.

Suffern campus map: http://www.sunyrockland.edu/about/campus-guide/map

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Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.