For many, Black History Month serves as a testament to how far America has come in terms of race relations and civil rights. During the month of February, the University has organized several events that commemorate black history while providing a dialogue on African-American art and culture.
Building Bridges: Christian Cultural Center Performs at Long Island Campus
On Feb. 3, St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Council for the Arts and the Office of Student Involvement, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, in collaboration with the Christian Cultural Center (CCC) in Brooklyn, kicked off Black History Month with a performance of “Ruby Bridges” in the student center on the Long Island Campus.
The performance, held during common hour, was organized by Ariel Chaveh Bernard, a member of the CCC’s production team. Founded as a small parish in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the Christian Cultural Center has since grown to become one of the largest churches in the northeast with more than 32,000 registered members. It is through worship, community development and the performing arts that the CCC aims to inspire spiritual growth in its supporters.
Leandra Johnson as civil rights activist Ruby Bridges.
Over the course of its 30-minute runtime, the show’s performers fused dance, drama and song in a retelling of the story of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African-American girl who made history by being the first child to integrate into an all-white school during desegregation in the 1960s.
“With everything being limited and information being taken away, I believe this story about perseverance and courage is one that will never die,” Bernard said, speaking on the significance of Bridges’ story.
Bernard is a former religious studies student at SJNY who is currently on hiatus while he works on several other projects, and intends to return in the fall. He is also a playwright, stage director, acting coach and songwriter.
While most productions require large stages, costume changes and a wide range of props, Bernard and the CCC’s small yet talented team performed with just microphones, a speaker and a few chairs.
The show opened with an interpretive dance featuring a recording of “Four Women,” performed by singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone. The reenactment covered Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., as well as the excitement and reluctance of both Bridges and her parents as they learned she would be the first of many to begin integration during such a pivotal time in American History.
Bestselling Author Matthew Morris comes to the Brooklyn Campus
Bestselling Author Matthew R. Morris
On Feb. 16, bestselling author Matthew R. Morris will be visiting Tuohy Hall Auditorium in Brooklyn to his discuss his latest book, “Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging” as part of SJNY’s Brooklyn Voices series. In addition to a live Q&A and book signing, copies of Morris’s book will be available for purchase.
As an educator, anti-racism advocate and writer, Morris has traveled across North America, speaking on the deconstruction of black masculinity, hip-hop culture and schooling. In his travels, Morris seeks to consult and learn more about the current challenges facing both students and educators.
Artist Talk: My Underground Railroad with Dr. Myrah Brown Green
From Jan. 30 through Feb. 28, St. Joseph’s University, New York and the Brooklyn Council for the Arts is hosting “My Underground Railroad: The Journey Continues” with works by Dr. Myrah Brown Green. The solo exhibit includes a series of quilts featuring symbols that are inspirational to the life of Green in her development and creativity.
Green is an art historian, author, arts consultant, lecturer and independent curator and agent. Artist talks will be held on Feb. 15 from 1-3 p.m. and Feb. 19 from 12:40-1:40 p.m. in the Alumni Room Gallery in Tuohy Hall.
An Appreciation for Culture
Beginning during the fall 2024 semester, the University has made an effort to highlight the history and heritage of the many cultures of its students, staff and faculty. This will continue into March 2025 with Irish American Month.
