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Rockland Community College (RCC) is celebrating Black History Month with enriching and engaging events throughout the month of February with a focus on the theme “African Americans and the Arts,” exploring the rich tapestry of African American culture through artistic expression. From the captivating rhythms of jazz to the evocative verses of spoken word poetry and the transformative influence of Hip Hop over the past 50 years, African Americans have shaped and enriched our cultural landscape. All events are free. For more information visit this link https://sunyrockland.edu/media/black-history-month/
“This month, we honor the enduring strength, creativity, and resilience of African Americans and their impact on society,” said Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo, President of RCC. “Diversity is not just a word for Rockland Community College; it's a commitment to action. It's about embracing the various cultures, ideas, and viewpoints that enrich our college community.”
RCC proudly houses international students from 28 different countries. The college’s commitment to fostering an environment of understanding and respect has been recognized for the past three years with the HEED Award for Excellence in Diversity, reflecting their ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Tuesday, February 6, 12:30 pm EST
Movie Screening: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
A film adaptation of August Wilson’s play, set in 1927 Chicago, pays an affectionate tribute to the blues legend and Black culture. The 2020 film was produced by Denzel Washington, featuring Viola Davis, who plays the influential blues singer May Rainey and the late Chadwick Boseman (his final film appearance), who portrayed Ma Rainey’s trumpet player. https://sunyrockland.edu/event/movie-screening-ma-raineys-black-bottom/
Wednesday, February 14, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm EST
Art & Soul: A Paint Party
Wear your favorite Black Pride T-shirt and unleash your infer artist at the Art & Soul Paint Party, on the Student Union Bridge, and join us for an evening of art, music, and self-expression. https://sunyrockland.edu/event/art-soul-a-paint-party/
Thursday, February 15, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm EST
Grand Opening Celebration for the African Quilt Showcase: “The Colorful, Historical, Inspirational, & Spiritual World of Quilts”
This event is by invitation only.
Light refreshments will be served.
The showcase will be on display from February 14 – March 8, 2024, in the library. Learn more about the showcase and quilters.
Co-sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion https://sunyrockland.edu/event/grand-opening-celebration-for-the-african-american-quilt-showcase-the-colorful-historical-inspirational-spiritual-world-of-quilts/
Thursday, February 22, 12:00 pm EST
Black Excellence Extravaganza
Celebrate culture with a fashion show, dance, music, poetry, and more as students showcase their talents. https://sunyrockland.edu/event/historical-black-colleges-and-universities-expo/
Tuesday, February 27, 12:00 pm EST
Empowerment: The Black Doctoral Network
Join the discussion focusing on black professionals in higher education, providing resources and motivation for current and future doctors. https://sunyrockland.edu/event/empowerment-the-black-doctoral-network/
Wednesday, February 28, 7:00 pm EST
Visual and Performing Arts and Campus Players: A Celebration of the Arts
Celebrate Black History Month through performance with a special event by the Visual and Performing Arts and Campus Players. https://sunyrockland.edu/event/a-celebration-of-the-arts/
Thursday, February 29, 12:30 – 1:20 pm EST
Telling Our History and Our Story Through Quilt Making
Join us for a panel discussion featuring Donna Chambers, Doreen Mollette-Sullivan, and Joan Raynor from the Rockland County N.Y. Quilters/Needle Artist Sewing Club. Learn more about the showcase and quilters.
About Rockland Community College
Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCC’s institutional collaborations. RCC fosters an environment that attracts, recruits, supports, and retains faculty, staff, and students who value diversity. The College promotes a collegial and inclusive environment by recognizing, promoting, embracing, respecting, and celebrating the expansive range and dimensions of cultures, attitudes, ideas, and viewpoints contained within our campus community.
RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and micro credentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at www.sunyrockland.edu.
