CULTURAL 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.
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.
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.