Dear Tisch Community,
As Black History Month begins, we honor Black artists whose crafts have been instrumental in catalyzing significant social change. Within communities, language and communication are essential for sustaining and preserving cultural traditions. Various art forms, including but not limited to oral storytelling, poetry, and literature, have played crucial roles in celebrating the diverse cultures of African Diasporic peoples. From the
pre-Civil War era to the Reconstruction era, and spanning
the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement, these creative expressions possessed a transformative power in reshaping national perceptions of Black culture and advocating for social justice.
During the week of February 5th,
NYU will celebrate the 19th annual MLK Week, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact on civil rights activism. This year’s theme “Power Reimagined” invites us to explore perspectives and approaches to wielding and sharing power within our communities. We draw inspiration from Dr. King’s words in one of his most famous sermons,
Loving Your Enemies:
“The strong person is the person who can cut off the chain of hate, the chain of evil. . . . and inject within the very structure of the universe that strong and powerful element of love.”
This quote serves as guidance for us all and emphasizes the reimagining of power as a force for positive change. Recognizing our artistic responsibility to inspire creativity and empower young artists within our local community, we embrace Dr. King’s dedication to service. We invite you to participate in “Build a Kit. Make An Impact.”, a community engagement activity for faculty, staff, and students.
With gratitude,
Christina Salgado
Assistant Dean of Diversity
