Mercy College’s Black History Month Celebration Spotlights Black Artists and Designers in the Community
Mercy College’s virtual Black History Month community reception, which took place on February 9, 2022, celebrated the impact of art, culture and design in Black history and the programs shaping future generations. The event gathered elected officials, community leaders and Mercy students, alumni, faculty, and staff for a discussion on the sacrifices and achievements of Black Americans and the importance of providing equitable opportunities for students of color.
The program included remarks from featured speaker Sarah Bracey White, executive director of cultural affairs for the Town of Greenburgh, Mercy alumna Dominique Jones ’18, book cover designer for Penguin Random House and Mercy student Sakinah Bell ’22. Mercy College President Tim Hall provided welcoming remarks and the College’s Executive Director of Media and Innovation Edie Magnus emceed the program.
During the event, Hall spoke to the post-pandemic realities that many Black students are facing, and Mercy College’s deep commitment to ensuring their academic success. He said, “…as president who believes in them absolutely, who is confident that they are the hope and future of America–when we support them, when we don’t stand in their way, they soar.”
United States Congressman Mondaire Jones provided a video message in which he stated how proud he is to represent a minority-serving institution that is leading the charge for more equitable success in higher education such as Mercy College. As said by the Congressman, “This Black History Month, and every month, I’m grateful for Mercy College’s passion, perseverance and partnership as we work to affirm racial justice and honor the legacy of those who came before us.”
Additional dignitaries in attendance included: New York State Assemblymember Thomas Abinanti; Westchester County Executive George Latimer; Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky; Westchester County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson; and Andre Early ’19, Deputy Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.
A focus of the event was Mercy College’s Connect 4: Networking for Equality in Design (Connect 4) mentorship initiative, of which Bell is an alum. The initiative breaks down barriers for Design + Animation students of color by pairing them with prominent designers of color to increase their knowledge base, develop networks and pursue pathways to industry leadership. Mercy students, including Bell, have seen several opportunities come out of participating in Connect 4, such as prestigious internships with large design firms.
To view Mercy College’s virtual Black History Month Celebration, please click here.
To learn more about Mercy’s Connect 4 initiative, and to donate to the program, please click here.