CULTURAL PROGRAMS

DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING PROGRAMS

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon
Provides the campus and local community with an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. A significant figure in the Civil Rights movement or someone committed to the values of Dr. King is invited to speak. The event also seeks to raise scholarship monies for two New Jersey City University students and recognizes the contributions of a faculty/staff member.

W.E.B. DuBois Lecture
Annual event presenting a significant scholar (e.g., Dr. David Levering Lewis, Dr. James Turner) asked to do a scholarly presentation. The campus community is invited to a book signing and reception.

William Edward Burghardt DuBois was one of this country's most distinguished educators. Born in a small village in Massachusetts in 1868, DuBois first came face to face with the realities of racism in 19th-century America while attending Fisk University in Nashville. It was while completing his graduate studies at Harvard that DuBois wrote an exhaustive study of the history of the slave trade -- one that is still considered one of the most comprehensive on that subject.

In 1897, DuBois took a position with Atlanta University. During his tenure there he conducted extensive studies of the social conditions of blacks in America. His findings led him to write "The Souls of Black Folk," his most widely read book, which helped formed the basis for the creation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909.

Throughout the first half of the 20th Century, W.E.B. DuBois continued to work as an author, lecturer and educator. His teachings were an important influence on the Civil Rights Movement of the '50s and '60s. Ironically, DuBois died on the eve of the historic march on Washington in 1963. Actor and playwright Ossie Davis read an announcement of his death to the 250,000 people gathered the next day at the Washington Monument.
past event photos

Faculty Scholars' Series
Each month two faculty from various disciplines (e.g., biology, women's studies, history, sociology) working on issues related to peoples across the African Diaspora present their work to faculty and students. This colloquia series has encouraged faculty members to do research.

Catfish and Cornbread: Stories about Black Women and Family
Storytellers, poets and singers are invited to present original or established work written by Black women. This program allows the audience to hear original text in the voice of Black women. This fun program is for children to senior citizens.

Student Forums
The Hagan Center invites students to share their research, experience and ideas on specific issues. The student forum is on "Education in African communities."

Kwanzaa Celebration
The Hagan Center hosts an annual community Kwanzaa celebration. The celebration involves cultural music, food, and dance. The seven principles are reviewed and affirmed.
past event photos

Black History Month
An opening celebration is held to mark the beginning of Black History Month. Events are held throughout the month celebrating Black history through concerts, mini-forums, art exhibitions, etc.
past event photos

Community Collaborations
New York Historical Society Museum
Paul Robeson Center at Rutgers University
Afro Historical Museum, Jersey City