Good Deeds Day Celebrates Civility

On November 22, the Women’s Resource Center at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) hosted Good Deeds Day: A Day of Civility and Respect.

The day-long event at 199 Chambers Street featured a performance by singer Nkira Barrow; an open mic facilitated by BMCC Professor of English Margaret Barrow; a self-defense class led by Brian Glick of Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a talk by Jeenie Yoon of the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, a flash-mob performance and more.

Setting the tone for the day, was a workshop, I Believe in You, co-facilitated by Deborah Parker, Director of the BMCC Women’s Resource Center, and Precious Sellars-Mulhern, Counselor, BMCC Counseling Center.

Kindness and understanding are more important than ever within the college community, Parker says. “A random act of kindness can go a long way. Make eye contact, give someone a smile or share space in a computer station with another student. Kindness doesn’t cost you anything and it goes a long way.”

A number of people volunteered their time to make the day a success, she said. These included Cecilia Scott-Croff, Executive Director, as well as the staff, teachers and children of the BMCC Early Childhood Center; Professors of English Margaret Barrow and Aimee Record; Penelope Jordan, Director of the BMCC Health Services; Vinton Melbourne and Lisa White of the BMCC Media Center, and Michael Hutmaker, Dean, and Marva Craig, Vice President, of Student Affairs.

Parker also thanked the BMCC Office of Student Activites and Student Government Association, MBJ Food Services, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 30 student volunteers who “spent hours making buttons and helping us plan and set up the events” and more than 70 faculty, staff and students who comprised a Flash Mob performance.

To view a video on Good Deeds Day, click HERE.
 
The next Good Deeds Day will take place in March 2017. For more information, contact Deborah Parker at (212) 220-8165.