Dear Tisch Community,

As we begin Black History Month, we celebrate how Black artists have used their creativity to drive social change and preserve cultural heritage. Throughout history, creative expression has been fundamental to bringing communities together, especially through the power of music during movements for social justice. From the spirituals of the Underground Railroad to the freedom songs of the Civil Rights Movement, music has united people, helping them endure challenges and sustain their pursuit of justice. Today, Black artists across mediums continue this tradition, using their work to inspire progress and connect communities.

This week, NYU celebrates its 20th annual MLK Week, commemorating Dr. King’s historic 1961 visit to campus. This year’s theme “Living the Legacy” calls us to view Dr. King’s work not as a relic of the past– but as a call to action in the present. His words continue to resonate with a sense of urgency:

"Social progress is never attained by passive waiting. It comes only through the tireless efforts and passionate concern of dedicated individuals….This is no time for apathy nor complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action."

Our office has partnered with Global Strategic Initiatives and Student Affairs to present Living the Legacy: Artistic Reflections, an exhibition showcasing how members of our community are carrying forward Dr. King’s legacy through their creative practice. The exhibition will be on display from February 4th -14th in multiple locations including, the 721 Broadway lobby and Skirball Center for New Media, as well as on street-level at 370 Jay St. It features a photographic display of Hank Willis Thomas’s (‘98) The Embrace, an interactive installation of John Henry Thompson’s blackfacts 365, and more. 

In addition to the artists featured in our exhibition, we are thrilled to highlight the community leadership of hip-hop artist Joey Bada$$ during his Fall 2024 residency at the Clive Davis Institute. Through his ImpactMENtorship program, Joey offers free career guidance to men of color, demonstrating how artists can create tangible pathways for the next generation. Read an excerpt from the article below to learn more about Joey's residency at CDI.

With gratitude, 

Tisch Office of Community Engagement

…Alongside artist manager and longtime mentor Sophia Chang, whose own Unlock Her Potential program provided the inspiration for ImpactMENtorship, Bada$$ discussed his commitment to community building in a conversation titled “The Intersection of Artistry & Social Impact.”

“I've always had a natural instinct to want to help people,” the Brooklyn native said. “Once I made it to a certain place, I felt that it was almost my duty to be able to help carve a lane for others--to help show others the way, because I believe in that leapfrog effect."

Chang, who helped shape the careers of industry legends such as RZA, A Tribe Called Quest, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, emphasized the scarcity of that mindset within the industry. “I've been in management for 37 years and I've seen a lot of artists, and not everybody has the heart, not everybody has the thought and the concern and the true passion to give back to the community and to build community.”

Check out other university-wide events here: Calendar of Events

Be sure to check out the digital guide of Tisch’s MLK Week exhibition!