“Black Study(ies) - The Sequel” was a follow-up workshop drawing from presentations and discussions last year’s Up/Town Hall ” Black Studies - 2024 and Beyond” hosted at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Both events were a collaboration of three Columbia University groups: the African American & African Diaspora Studies Department; IRAAS (the Institute for Research in African-American Studies); and the Institute For Social And Economic Research And Policy.
This year’s Up/Town Hall was held October 8 and adopted the format of a workshop where participants collaboratively imagined what kinds of community work should be undertaken to chart a path toward repair and revitalization. It drew more than 30 participants, including students, faculty, staff, and community members from Columbia, other institutions, and from neighborhoods across the city.
The event was hosted by Jafari S. Allen, director of IRAAS (Institute for Research in African American Studies) at Columbia University; and Mabel O. Wilson, chair of the African American and African Diaspora Studies Department at Columbia University.
Participants shared their knowledge, skills, organizational networks, and capacities to envision new community- based educational initiatives based on the model of 1960s Freedom Schools. The workshop participants enjoyed fellowship and a shared meal at the historical Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center.
Speakers at the 2024 event included Farah Jasmine Griffin, African American and African Diaspora Studies, Columbia University; Khary Lazarre-White, executive director, The Brotherhood Sister Sol; Chloie Plumber, Black Students Organization of Columbia University; Jervette Ward, Black Studies Department, City University of New York.
