BMCC Celebrates Afrikan Heritage Month With Events Throughout February

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) celebrates Afrikan Heritage Month 2022 throughout February with educational and cultural programming that commemorates the Afrikan diaspora.

Although this year’s programming is virtual given the continued challenges brought by COVID-19, the Afrikan Heritage Month Committee has created a number of events designed to inspire, challenge, and educate. The full calendar of events, which continues to expand, can be found on the BMCC website.

In the spirit of the Sankofa—a word from the Akan Twi and Fante languages of Ghana that means it is not taboo to retrieve what is at risk of being left behind—BMCC celebrates lessons from the past as the college looks to the future with the 2022 theme, “Emerging, Looking Forward to Brighter Times.”

President Anthony E. Munroe welcomed the college community to the Afrikan Heritage month events in video message.  The president said this month of activities—which coincides with Black History Month— celebrates African American culture and history through a variety of programs that include lectures, workshops, performances and insightful discussions.

“This year’s theme, Looking Forward to Brighter Times in 2022, focuses on optimism and prosperity, as we navigate through current political and social climates and explore the influence of African Americans in today’s world,” said President Munroe. “I am proud of our college’s commitment to advancing equity, strengthening a culture of care and advancing justice through education.”

In a special guest message to the BMCC community, Adrienne E. Adams, the first Black City Council Speaker in New York City history, paid tribute to the trailblazers who paved the way for her and those who will follow.

“Eighty years ago, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was sworn in as the first African American to serve in the city council,” said Speaker Adams in the video. “Then, in 1974, Mary Pinkett became the first Black woman to serve in our legislative body.  And without leaders like the great Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to Congress and Letitia James, the first Black Attorney General of the State of New York, and of course, Kamala Harris, my sorority sister and the first Black Vice President of the United States, I would not be here where I am today.”

Adams told the BMCC community that although she is the first Black City Council Speaker, she most certainly will not be the last.

“I know that each and every one of you are bright, driven and committed to making a difference in our city and in our country,” said Speaker Adams. “Your paths will take you different place, possibly all over the world, but as long as you work hard, remain persistent and follow your own chosen paths, you can achieve your dreams and goals.”

Events focus on physical and mental health and sharing truths

“Through this year’s programming, the BMCC community is invited to focus on physical and mental health to speak out and share their truth, to celebrate those who struggled for freedom, and to learn about and from Black men and women who have led, innovated, and changed history,” said Christopher Shults, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning and chair of the Afrikan Heritage planning committee.

“This February, we are also reminded why such intentional celebrations are necessary as 13 Historically Black Universities (HBCU) received bomb threats on the first day of Black History Month, critical race theory has been, or is in the process of being banned in K-12 schools as well as higher education institutions in several states and jurisdictions across the country,” said Dean Shults. “African-American and Black literature is also being removed from school and public libraries.”

That said, Dean Shults also says it is important to remember that Black peoples throughout the Americas have suffered, survived and thrived through countless generations.

“We need to be reminded that we have the broad and strong shoulders of our ancestors to stand on,” said Dean Shults. “We need to be reminded that tough times are nothing new and that we are a wise, creative, innovative, strong and resilient people.”