• Black Lives Matter Summit 2023:
    Uplifting Black Youth Through Community Engagement

    The 8th annual Black Lives Matter Summit will take place April 21st-27th, 2023 and invites anyone who believes in the power of unity and community to join the call of action for justice. Our communities are being plagued by violence and anti-Blackness. We invite students, faculty and staff, to discuss issues of violence, racism and cultural differences in our Black and Brown communities. Now is the time to bring about change and a better future for all. Join us this year to commemorate our 8th Annual Black Lives Matter Summit as we discuss viable solutions to issues faced by people of color in our communities.

    The summit is co-sponsored by Student Affairs, CUNY BMI, La Casa and Center for the Humanities.






  • Event Schedule


    Please note that the schedule is subject to change. ASL interpreters will be provided for all sessions.


    Date/Time/Location Session Participants Registration
    Friday, April 21st
    La Casa
    1:00pm – 3:00pm
    Room E-500
    Pre - BLM Summit Kickoff: Coming to Understand Latino Anti-Black Bias In-Person Event
    No RSVP Required
    Monday, April 24th
    10:30am – 11:30am
    Little Theatre (in-person)
    Livestream (YouTube)
    BLM Summit Kickoff: Uplifting Black Youth Through Community Engagement

    This year we welcome James L. Motley as our Keynote Speaker. James’ passion, ambition, and drive are exemplified by his motto “speak not only to the mind of man but also the heart.“ Being incarcerated from the age of 17-25, James has committed to serving people throughout his community and beyond. James’ commitment and dedication to transforming people at a crossroads in their lives are incomparable. Currently providing Motivational Speaking to those in corporate businesses, colleges, youth programs, and non-profit agencies, he provides a common sense approach to living a successful, satisfying, professional, and personal life.

    Moderator:
    • Wendy Nicholson
    RSVP to attend in-person
    Tuesday, April 25th
    10:00am – 11:00am
    Little Theatre

    12:00pm – 3:00pm
    Creative Workshop
    Exploring the Narrative Film “Weep Not” and the use of Art in Our Black Communities

    On April 25th, we welcome Cheray O’Neal (award winning actor, writer, producer) of the film ‘Weep not’ to our student-oriented event addressing issues of injustice that impact Black lives. Participants will preview Ms. O’Neal’s narrative film and explore how creativity may be utilized to fight against injustices in Black Communities. Q&A to follow the screening.

    Content of film may be emotionally challenging.

    Moderator:
    • Prof. Hollar-Gregory
    RSVP
    Wednesday, April 26th
    4:00pm – 5:30pm Online (Zoom)
    The Different Faces of Blackness

    The African diaspora referred to individuals and their descendants from West and Central Africa who were enslaved via the Atlantic slave trade. The purpose of the African diaspora is to encompass persons from other parts of the World. Despite the common heritage, the relationship among these peoples is not without strife. Please join us for a poignant and informative webinar.

    Moderator:
    • Dr. Sultan Jenkins
    RSVP
    Thursday, April 27th
    2:00pm – 3:30pm Online (Zoom)
    Violence Facing the Black Community

    In light of the murder of Tyre Nichols, we intend to explore the effects of targeted violence in African American communities, specifically towards young men and women of color. Furthermore, we seek to highlight the experiences of queer and trans youth of color, who disproportionately experience it.

    Moderator:
    • Andre Ford
    RSVP





  • Guest Speakers



    Tanya Hernandez

    Tanya Hernandez


    James L. Motley

    James L. Motley


    Cheray O’Neal

    Cheray O’Neal


    Earl O’Brien

    Earl O’Brien


    Maria Delongoria

    Maria Delongoria


    Judi Anderson

    Judi Anderson


    Dr. Maurice Vann

    Dr. Maurice Vann


    Tiffany McFadden

    Tiffany McFadden


    Dr. Kirk James

    Dr. Kirk “Jae” James






  • Planning Committee


    Special thanks to our committee members for their work in planning and executing the Black Lives Matter Summit.


    Name
    Department
    Rachel Romain, Chair Multicultural Exchange
    Kyle Hollar-Gregory, Co-Chair Social Science
    Allia Abdullah-Matta English
    Andre Ford Center for Career & Professional Development
    Sultan Jenkins Natural Sciences Department
    Ryan Mann-Hamilton Social Science
    Wendy Nicholson Office of the President
    Charis Victory ASAP Program
    Shaunee Wallace Humanities
    Henry Welcome Social Science
    Donniece Davis Campus Life
    Jeffery Batts Campus Life