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- First-Gen Summit: “An Empowered Journey”
In recognition of Black Heritage Month (BHM), St. John’s University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) has organized a multicampus celebration organized by departments and clubs from the Queens and Staten Island, NY, campuses.
BHM (also known as Black History/African American History Month) is celebrated nationally in February. This month pays tribute to and honors the rich and diverse culture, legacy, traditions, histories, and innumerable contributions of the Black communities.
This year we honor the Black community through our theme, “Dare to Dream Big.” We invite you to think outside the box and dream like everyone is watching! It is our hope that in daring to dream big at St. John’s, we transform our dreams and visions into reality.
Join us in the University’s 2023 celebration of BHM. To accommodate the needs of our guests, we ask that all attendees register for each event.
2023 Event Schedule
Date: Tuesday, January 31
Time: 8–11 p.m.
Location: Lavelle Hall, Room 106, Staten Island Campus
RSVP: Register here for the MLK Midnight Service Run
Join us for a special MLK Midnight Service Run! Spend the evening with us as we prepare bagged meals and beverages to be delivered to the local homeless population. This event is being held in collaboration with Campus Ministry.
Date: Thursday, February 2
Time: 1:50–3:15 p.m.
Location: Virtual
RSVP: Virtual Event Registration Form
The Department of History has organized a virtual event featuring Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections for Louis Armstrong House Museum. Ricky Riccardi will discuss Louis Armstrong's life and music, including his early years in New Orleans, his groundbreaking recordings in the 1920s, his overseas tours as "Ambassador Satch," the barriers he helped to break down, and the times he spoke out against racial injustice. Riccardi will also discuss Armstrong's relationships to Corona and the work that he and his colleagues do at the Armstrong House and Archives.
Date: Thursday, February 2
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: D'Angelo Center Ballroom, Queens Campus
RSVP: BHM Event Registration Form
Join us for an evening celebrating Rev. Martin Luther King. Jr’s life and legacy and Black excellence, and our past and present legacies at St. John’s University using dialogue and an interactive art and history exhibit. This evening features guest performances, and a panel discussion including fellow Johnnies—students and faculty—to inspire us to dream big. Dinner will be served. This event is being held in collaboration with Haraya Pan African Students’ Coalition, the Performing Arts department, and more.
Date: Monday, February 6
Time: 1:50–3:15 p.m.
Location: Inclusivity Resource Center, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Queens Campus
RSVP: BHM Event Registration Form
“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”—Rev. Martin Luther King. Jr.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is committed to upholding the Vincentian mission of St. John’s University. Join us for an afternoon as we prepare care packages filled with essential supplies for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in need in the New York City area. All care packages will be donated and distributed by the Ali Forney Center.
Date: Tuesday, February 7
Time: Noon–1 p.m.
Location: Inclusivity Resource Center, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Queens Campus
RSVP: BHM Event Registration Form
The Office of Multicultural Affairs would like to get your feedback on how we can do better at representing YOU and the Black community on campus at this student listening session with the Vice President of Equity and Inclusion, Rachel Pereira, Ed.D., J.D. Refreshments will be served.
Formerly a senior legal and policy advisor for EdCounsel of Nelson Mullins, LLC, Dr. Pereira has a multidisciplinary background and experience in the education and legal industries, having served as a teacher, school principal, prosecutor, legal counsel to educational institutions, and as an adjunct professor at three graduate schools.
Date: Thursday, February 16
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Sodano Coffee House, D'Angelo Center, Queens Campus
RSVP: BHM Event Registration Form
Have an idea for a start up? Well, here’s your chance at getting one step closer to becoming an entrepreneur! Inspired by the hit TV show, Shark Tank, OMA’s “Black Shark Tank” shines the spotlight on the many Black innovators on campus.
Applications will be accepted until February 5. All submissions and supporting documents should be emailed to [email protected]. This event is being held in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations and The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies.
Date: Tuesday, February 21
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Kiernan Suite, Staten Island Campus
RSVP: BHM Event Registration Form
Need advice from Black professionals in the workplace? We have you covered! Join us for panelists from various disciplines as they share their knowledge and experience on what it takes to succeed in different professional settings. Dinner will be served. This event is being held in collaboration with University Career Services Staten Island.
Date: Thursday, February 23
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Inclusivity Resource Center, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Queens Campus
The LGBTQ+ Center is hosting a special workshop where we center spirituality, Blackness, queerness, and tarot. The speaker will offer readings and materials. Justin Henry (he/they) likes to refer to themselves as a “queen of many trades”: an advocate, artist, and healer extraordinaire. They were born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and they’re a Libra Sun, Scorpio Rising, and Cancer Moon.
As this particularly astrological info suggests, they’re a spiritual advisor specializing in tarot reading, astrology, massage therapy, and other esoteric healing practices. Not only this, but they are a self-taught, freelance makeup artist, and a budding psychologist having graduated from Columbia University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. They like to draw, paint, sing, read, watch television shows, listen to music, and hang out with friends for fun.
Date: Friday, February 24
Time: 8–10 p.m.
Location: Marillac Terrace, Queens Campus
RSVP: BHM Event Registration Form
Ever dreamed of dressing up and hopping into your own dreamy 2000s-era music video fantasy? Well, we have some good news for you! Join us for a night of food, fun, and throwbacks to end Black Heritage Month 2023 in style—that is, Y2K style. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their most fashionable early 2000s gear for a special prize. There will also be a special performance by the Step Ya Game Up dance crew that you will not want to miss.