Celebrating Black History Month at CUNY SPS

Dear CUNY SPS Community:

As we enter the month of February, I ask that you join me in celebrating Black History Month—a time dedicated to honoring the rich contributions, achievements, and resilience of Black people throughout history. This year’s theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and the Arts,” which honors the way African, Caribbean, and Black Americans have used creative outlets to preserve and share their history while also instilling empowerment in their communities. Additionally, this month serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing and appreciating the diverse voices that have shaped our nation and the world.

At CUNY SPS, we take pride in fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that values the unique perspectives and experiences of all our students, faculty, and staff. In this spirit, I am pleased to announce that the Committee on Institutional Equity and Diversity (CIED) will offer several workshops this February focused on combatting racial bias and expanding cultural awareness.

• Wednesday, February 7, 12-1:30 p.m.- Introduction to CUNY SPS Anti-Hate Education Series: Understanding Trends in Hate Crime. Register 
• Thursday, February 15, 12-1:30 p.m.- Pedagogy Grounded in Reality: Incorporating Chattel Slavery’s Contribution to Business & Management into Curricula, Led by Dr. Tara Barca and Dr. Linda L. Ridley, members of the CUNY SPS Online Business Programs.  Register 
• Thursday, February 29, 12-1 p.m.- Bystander Intervention to Stop Violence and Anti-Black Racist Harassment.  Learn More 

These events, which are open to all CUNY SPS students, faculty, and staff, mark the launch of a timely and significant Anti-Hate Education Series that the CIED is hosting this Spring as part of CUNY’s Multi-Year Antisemitism and Anti-Hate Initiative. For more information on this series, visit our website.

 As you observe Black History Month, I encourage each of you to learn more about the richness of Black culture from the many resources available, such as these:

• Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
• The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture
• Brooklyn Arts Council
• Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Culture Type
• National Gallery of Art
• The National Museum of African American History and Culture

Please plan to participate in our CIED workshops and engage in meaningful conversations that promote cultural understanding and appreciation. I encourage you to visit the numerous references for Black History Month available on the CIED’s resources webpage, and I wish to personally thank the CIED for doing this critical work to help advance equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion for all communities at CUNY SPS.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lisa R. Braverman, PhD

Dean, CUNY School of Professional Studies