New College of Florida to Host Black History Month Symposium

New College of Florida hosts its annual New Schools of Black Thought symposium on Saturday, February 8, from 10 am to 5 pm at the Sudakoff Conference Center. This year’s symposium, “Systemic Injustice and the Meaning of Citizenship in America’s Democracy,” brings activists, artists, and academics together to focus on the disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system on minorities. The public is welcomed and encouraged to be a part of this vital discussion to examine institutionalized barriers that people of black and Latinx communities who have been incarcerated face as they try to reintegrate into society. 

Throughout February, New College is hosting a combination of artistic and academic events in honor of Black History Month. Established by the visionary work of Dr. Queen Zabriskie, assistant professor of sociology, and four undergraduate students, Nasib McIntosh, Donovan Brown, Paul Loriston, and the late Ijeoma Uzoukwu, the inaugural Black History Month program took place in February 2015. Noting a disconnect, these individuals worked to address a need for the campus to illuminate, preserve, and increase information about Black life for the campus community. Since then, the committee has grown to consist of students, staff, faculty, and administrators who collaborate to bring the design and implementation of a program that is robust in highlighting the complexity and multiplicity of blackness and the Black experiences.

The framework of the celebration stems from its six pillars – Black Arts and Performance series, Conversations on Race and Ethnicity public lectures, African Diaspora Film Festival, Black Literature Read-ins, New Schools of Black Thought Symposium, and visual displays of cultural relevance. Appropriately designed for community members of diverse ages and interests, the events give the opportunity to serve and partner with various local schools and organizations. All events are free unless otherwise noted and are open to the public.

To find a complete symposium itinerary and more information about Black History Month at New College, please visit http://www.ncf.edu/black-history-month.