MLK Week Programming Ideas
Movie Screening and Discussion: this would be an ideal e-lounge program. some movie suggestions are strangefruit, there eyes were watching god, the color purple, malcolm x movie, glory, rosa parks movie, and mlk movie. Cost: dvd purchase and food/refreshments. Or you can also check the African Diaspora Film Festival. They are most definitely going to have pertinent film screenings going on that month. Check out their website for updates http://nyadiff.org/index.html
Nuyorican Cafe Open Mic Night: I think this would be a good program because slam poetry and story telling in general is relevant to african american history today. Commuters and Residents can also perform at this event and tell their own personal story. so in other words, its very relevant to black history (as one will hear many african americans slam their poetry each night, but it is also inclusive as well) There is an open mic every wed and friday. The cost is about $7-10 depending on which day you attend. See website for more details. http://www.nuyorican.org/poetryslam.php
African Heritage Month at NYU: hosted every year at NYU. This commitee plans a whole month of events in February. So be on the lookout for their calendar (in the lobby of kimmel or check student activities on 7th floor kimmel). Maybe a CA or RA can tag along on one of their events. https://www.facebook.com/africanheritagemonthnyu
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Has tons of events that happen during black history month and would fall into MLK week. Here is a direct link to their calendar. http://www.nypl.org/locations/tid/64/calendar From what I see, all the events seem to range anywhere from free to 10 dollars. Make sure to check the calendar when the time comes.
Studio Museum of Harlem: rich in black history. Its a solid program. All the info you need is here http://www.studiomuseum.org/visit
Museum of African Art: I really couldnt squeeze a lot of info from the website, but definetely have one of the RA's or CA's look into it more when the time comes. Its looks like an awesome place to visit. Here is the website www.africanart.org
Louis Armstrong House Museum: another solid program. And it also has a nice element because it pertains to a jazz musician. all the info you need is http://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/visiting/overview.htm. I think its open every saturday in February, not quite sure though.
Dinner for 8 Strangers/Alliance Building Inter-Group Dialogue: I propose a program that will essentially be dinner for 8 strangers again, but has an alliance building theme to it. So hopefully students of different identites and backgrounds can come together and talk about what it means to build allies and coalitions across difference. Maybe this is something you can co-faciliate if an RA or CA is not well versed in the topic. Or the program can be modified to another black history month topic. The program can be a catered soul food dinner in house (with a cozy set up in a room in the basement) or at a nice sould food or african cuisine restaurant. Last time we went to MAMA's which is soul food, but you dont have to repeat. : )
Gallatin Black History Month Programming: Is the best. Honestly, through out my years at NYU, they have had the best events. Please Please check out there BHM event website http://www.gallatin.nyu.edu/studentlife/student-life-events/black-history-month.html. But check it out so you can get a taste for the type of events they have. Gallatin is does very good about updating the site, so it will be when the time comes around again. I think a CA or RA should definetely tag along to one of the programs.
