FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
做厙TV and Office of Cultural 做厙TV Present a Month of Engaging Black History Month Programming and Resources for Educators
Museum, Library,泭and Archives泭Events泭Highlight the Lasting Legacy of Black New Yorkers
The 做厙TV泭and the泭泭are泭commemorating Black History Month with a series of enlightening, community-focused programs that spotlight the influential history of Black New Yorkers. Throughout the month,泭special exhibitions, educational resources, and compelling in-person and online programs will be available, highlighting the significance of Black history in New York State.狼he New York State泭,泭, and泭泭will lead engaging conversations about the men and women who broke racial barriers in aviation and baseball, highlight the importance of community during the Great Migration with the unveiling of a new exhibit display, and celebrate cultural identity through rhythm and dance.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr.泭said,泭Black History Month is not only a time to honor the extraordinary contributions of people of African descent to our nations history and culture,泭it is a call to more fully acknowledge the stories, leadership, and lived experiences that have too often gone unrecognized. By泭lifting up泭both the struggles and the triumphs that have shaped our collective past, we deepen our understanding of who we are and strengthen our commitment to a more inclusive and泭equitable泭future.泭The Board of Regents and the 做厙TV remain steadfast in our mission to advance teaching and learning and to help build a society grounded in access, opportunity, trust, and respect for all New Yorkers.
State 做厙TV Commissioner Betty A. Rosa泭said,泭Black History Month honors generations who, in the face of injustice, courageously fought for freedom, dignity, and equality while paving the way for a more just and inclusive society. As we泭observe泭this month, we celebrate the excellence, resilience, and pride that define the Black experience, while reaffirming our responsibility to educate students with honesty, depth, and purpose. By teaching the full history of our nation and uplifting voices that have too often been marginalized, we help students better understand their world and their role in shaping a future where the values of liberty, inclusivity, and equity are fully realized for everyone.
泭
Dates:泭Thursday,泭February 5, 12, 19, and 26泭
Time:泭11:00 a.m.泭
Location: Discovery Place泭
Join experts from the New York State Archives to泭learn泭more about泭the remarkable history of Dorothy Franklin and Patricia Banks,泭two pioneering women who challenged racial barriers in aviation.泭Each Thursday, an archivist will be on hand to share stories, answer questions, and泭highlight carefully chosen original documents and photographs.泭
Date:泭Saturday,泭February泭7泭
Time: 2:00 p.m.泭
Location: Huxley Theater泭
The泭New York State Archives Jasmine Bumpers and Jamie Brinkman泭will lead泭an inspiring泭presentation泭on the lives of Dorothy Franklin and Patricia Banks.泭Learn how their courage and determination helped open the skies to Black women and reshaped the history of flight.泭
Date: Tuesday, February 10泭
Time: 12:00 p.m.泭
Location: Huxley Theater泭
Discover how three pioneering women at Mattel transformed the toy industry by creating泭the first Black Barbie doll. This one-time screening泭provides泭an opportunity to explore representation, innovation, and cultural impact in toys and media.泭
Date: Friday, February 13泭
Time: 12:00 p.m.泭
Location: West Corridor泭
Discover the Museums newest collection feature with Chief Curator of History Dr. Jennifer Lemak.泭Hats worn in Black churches during the Great Migration were more than fashionthey were symbols of faith, resilience, and personal identity.泭The exhibit泭highlights泭how they reflected the journeys, leadership, and creativity of women who navigated new lives in New York State while holding onto their heritage and hope for the future.泭
Date:泭Thursday, February 19泭
Time: 11:00 a.m.泭
Location: Adirondack Hall泭
Jordan Taylor Hill泭leads泭a dynamic exploration of rhythm, movement, and cultural memory across the African Diaspora. The program opens with a powerful performance featuring traditional and contemporary rhythms from West Africa, Cuba, and the Black American tradition.泭Guests泭are then invited into an interactive workshop where Jordan guides them through rhythms and movement vocabulary that illuminate how these practices carry history, identity, and community.羔
Date:泭Thursday, February 26泭
Time:泭12:00 pm泭
Location: Webinar泭泭
Speakers:泭Larry Lester and John Thorn泭
In 2024,泭Major League Baseball (MLB)泭officially泭incorporated records for more than 2,300 Negro Leagues players泭with泭its泭existing泭historical泭data.泭Join esteemed author, historian, and curator Larry Lester and泭official泭MLB historian John Thorn as they discuss泭how the data was collected and泭why it is so important to泭include泭statistics from泭the Negro Leagues.泭This public program is made possible by federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services,眨hich enable the New York State Library to champion lifelong learning.羔
Resources for Educators
Resources to support teaching and learning about浮lack疲istory,疸ot only泭during浮lack浹istory烘onth畜ut throughout the entire year,畝re available on the Office of Standards and InstructionsSocial Studies Guidance and Resources webpage.狼he curated list is not exhaustive but highlights key historic sites, museums,泭and cultural institutions that mark the African American experience in New York State.泭These resources also support the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework病or the development of instructional materials related to African American疲istory畝nd culture.泭
Media Contact
Reporters and education writers may contact the Office of Communications by email or phone at:
Press@nysed.gov
(518) 474-1201