By: T’Neil Gooden
Brooklyn College’s (BC) Black History Month Committee (BHMC) hosted its very own kick-off for BC students to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month, which they titled “From The Block To The Diaspora”. This year was quite significant for Black people because this Black History Month marks the 100th anniversary of honoring black culture.
“Black history was not recognized in classrooms, not preserved in institutions, not centered in public consciousness. It had to be fought for. It had to be carved into the narrative, this nation, and the world by people who refused to be raised. And today, we stand here because they did not give up,” said Jenessa Jasmin, the President of BC’s BHMC.
Jasmin not only spoke about the history of Black culture, but also brought attention to the kick-off’s title “From The Block To The Diaspora”.
“This year’s theme reminds us that Black identity is both deeply rooted and boundless. It begins in neighborhoods, families, traditions, music, language, and memory,” Jasmin told the audience. “But it does not end there. It stretches across oceans, cultures, and histories. It lives in the Caribbean, Africa, in Europe, South America, and right here in our communities. Our stories are not singular. They are layered, global, and interconnected.”
Students used this time to listen to their peers and leaders speak about the importance of black culture and the continuous need to uplift those who inspire them.
“Black history is not confined to a single place or time. It lives across borders,” said Yasmin Ali, the Interim Vice President for BC’s Student Affairs. “It exists in our languages, our creativity, our energy, and our brilliance. The diaspora reminds us that while our stories may begin locally, their impact is global.”
Ali also emphasized students speaking love into themselves and making sure that they are building themselves as people and students.
“Black History Month is not just a moment to look back. It is a call to move forward with attention, pride, and purpose,” said Ali. “As we begin this month-long celebration, I encourage each of you to engage deeply, listen generously, reflect honestly, celebrate the diversity within the black experience, and remember that your story, your roots, are not something to leave behind. They are something to stand on.”
Guest speaker, Dena Yoba, President of the Yoba Development Foundation, spoke about black excellence and understanding that people of color can make a difference, no matter their age.
“When [Black people] cross borders, our culture crosses with us. Our fashion becomes language. Our music becomes movement. Our swag becomes currency. Our homes become sanctuaries, and our being transcends the generations of struggle,” Yoba told the audience. “What began as a local struggle became a global influence. Because our lives, our creativity, and our resistance have always been connected.”
With meaningful words shared, students were greeted with foods from many cultures served at this event, including: Rice and peas, Jerk Chicken, Plantains, Cornbread, and Mac and Cheese.
Jasmin took the time to explain that even within this month of celebration, there is still a struggle occurring in the community.
“Around the world, Black communities are still facing injustice, displacement, erasure, and violence,” Jasmin said. “Their attempts to silence our histories question our community and divide us from one another. But history teaches us something powerful. Whenever the world has tried to dim black light, we have responded by shining brighter. Black history has never been just about survival.”
Yoba shared the same testament within her speech, “The diaspora isn’t just history, it’s a living, breathing relationship. There is no we without us,” she stated. “Understanding that your freedom is tied to mine, even oceans apart. And in a world that often teaches us to stand alone, to move with hyper-independence rooted in fear and adversity, our power has always been collective.”
BC junior, Imani Dickens, followed with a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Students also had the opportunity to participate in an activity while at the kick-off event.
BHMC had a map of all the countries in the world, and students placed a sticker on the country they are from. Along with this activity, students were presented with a “Reflection Wall” where they were able to place a nametag on the wall with their names, messages, and opinions about anything, including Black history.
Students left this event with messages that filled them with enthusiasm for the years to come. Ali shared this sentiment with the audience.
“The struggle was real. But it was necessary. It taught us all resilience, perspective, and strength. But through every challenge, one lesson remains clear. Never lose sight of who you are and where you come from.”
Students interested in the BHMC can check their Instagram: @bhmc.bc.