SUNY Oneonta recognized Black History Month with an array of educational events and activities celebrating Black history, heritage, achievements and culture, from guest speakers to trivia nights and more.
The campus kicked off the month by hosting civil rights activist Minnijean Brown-Trickey as its distinguished guest for the evening conversation, “The Continued Struggle for Civil Rights,” at Alumni Field House. While on campus, Brown-Trickey also sat down with students and staff for a daytime Q&A at the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence (CRJIE). As a member of the Little Rock Nine, she and eight other Black students altered the course of history and education by walking through the front doors of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas 60 years ago, helping desegregate public schools.
“Our aim is to bring campus-hosted events that will continue to further our DEI and social justice goals, deepen our understanding of our shared humanity through in-depth reflections, and open discussions,” said Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Bernadette Tiapo.
Throughout the month, the CRJIE hosted “Our Votes, Our Stories,” an art exhibition reflecting on historical barriers and voter suppression. The exhibition of paintings, sculptures and installations, created by African American-focused artists to share their views on voting rights, resulted from a collaborative partnership between the Cooperstown Graduate Program and Golden Artist Colors in New Berlin, NY.
An informational display at Milne Library with the 2024 national Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” encouraged readers to celebrate by checking out novels, eBooks, CDs, DVDs and more on everything from “Black Comics” to “Blues Pioneers” to “Recipes for Respect: African American Meals and Meaning.” The History Department hosted Black History Month trivia night with a pop culture theme. Clubs and organizations held other smaller events such as a waist bead-making night, put on by the Black Engaged Enlightened Feminist Club (BEEF) and Gender Equality & Rights Society.
For its Black History Month Keynote and Concert, the university welcomed SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor Dr. Ricardo Nazario-Colón for an evening talk, "On Whose Shoulders We Stand” in Morris Hall. Included in the program were musical selections from the Black Liberation songbook performed by student groups Hooked on Tonics, World Chorus, the Zappa Ensemble and more.
Black History Month at SUNY Oneonta culminated in a brand new “Welcome to the Motherland” gala event hosted by the Pan-African Student Union (PASU) at the CRJIE. Event-goers were asked to wear African cultural attire and/or formal wear and enjoyed music, dancing, a fashion show, live performances, games and raffles, and authentic African food. The event was coordinated by Onice Richiez, a sophomore from the Bronx, NY, majoring in Music Industry.
“PASU really wanted to provide an event where all students can see the beauty in African culture,” said Richiez, the club’s public relations officer. “We wanted to create a space and give recognition to where it all started, the root of black culture known as the “Motherland.” It was a night filled with music and laughter. It was wonderful to see students of all different races and backgrounds come together to celebrate our culture.”
View more photos from each event using the links below:
Minnijean Brown-Trickey Q&A Photos
Minnijean Brown-Trickey Talk Photos
“Our Votes, Our Stories” Gallery Photos
Black History Solidarity Concert and Reflections Photos
*Photography by Gerry Raymonda, Sean Eaves '25, and RJ Hargrave '24.