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February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and acknowledge the experiences, lives lived, influential figures, and changemakers who have shaped the world we live in today.

Every year, a theme is assigned to the month, this year is “Art of Resistance.” Black artists have revolutionized all aspects of visual art, literary art, and media, “Artists are the gatekeepers of the truth, We are civilization’s radical voice,” said Paul Robeson, a concert musician, actor, professional football player, turned activist, recognized for his cultural and political accomplishments.

At Marymount Manhattan College, The Intercultural Center is hosting a series of events, speakers, trips, and showcases that celebrate and educate the history and culture of the Black Community.

Starting on February first, the Intercultural Center hosted an opening ceremony featuring spoken word by MMC student Danazia Tucker, violin performance by Bri Blvack, and conversation by Intercultural Center director and Associate Dean of Students, Hayden Greene.

February seventh there will be a Virtual Zoom discussion in the ICC, Healing in Harmony, with mental health specialists Katherine Tineo-Komatsu, a licensed social worker and yoga teachers, Dr. Felecia Pullen, founder and CEO of PILLARS recovery, and Lindsey Silvera, certified yoga teacher and social worker. The conversation will be about mental health and stigma in the community.

On Monday February twelfth, BLSA will be joining the IC with the Hair Love event from 6-7:30 pm. This event is a space to embrace the love of black hair and will feature guest speaker Akeila Davis. There will be hair care tips, giveaways, and lots of love.

February twentieth welcomes poet and inspirational speaker Kirk Nugent to perform. Audiences have named him “The Poples’ Poet,” giving addresses to fortune 500 companies, church ministries, and empowerment workshops. On this journey for over two decades, he has challenged the ideas of what success is and how to become the true and best version of yourself.

Griffy’s Den is a new event hosted by Dean Hayden Greene on February 21st. There will be guest performers and will be the first ever MMC “Tiny Desk” in the Student Life Suite.

Hop in! We are going to Washington D.C. on February 25th to visit the National Museum of African AMerican History and Culture, all complete with a group dinner to cap off the day together. The NMAAHC is the only museum that is exclusively for the documentation of Black life, history, and culture with over 40,000 artifacts and over 100,000 members.

The final celebration on February 29th will be in the Great hall hosted by BLSA. The Black History showcase will feature performances by MMC students. The perfect way to embrace the theme of this year’s Black History Month by embracing our very own artists and performers who shape our school.

For more information and details about the intercultural center at MMC, follow the instgram @mmc_ic. New York City is also full of events and happenings to keep up with this month’s celebrations which will be linked below.

The Harlem Chamber Players’ 16th Annual Black History Month Celebration