Press

Media Contact: 
JP O’Hare 
(518) 474-1201 
Press@nysed.gov 
www.nysed.gov 

The New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education is thrilled to present an exceptional lineup of exhibits and events for Black History Month 2025. This year’s programming highlights the vibrant tapestry of Black history, culture, and contributions, celebrating extraordinary resilience, transformative excellence, and enduring legacies in New York State and beyond. Through this comprehensive celebration, the Office seeks to honor the past while connecting audiences to the present and inspiring the future. 

This year’s offerings include a new exhibit and two curated displays that explore the stories of Black pioneers and civil rights activists, along with engaging programs featuring authors, historians, and performers. Audiences can anticipate thought-provoking discussions, captivating performances, and opportunities to connect with contemporary narratives of progress and perseverance. Central to this month-long celebration is a commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Black history and its profound influence on shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of New York and the nation. 

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “From the daring feats of the Harlem Hellfighters to the little-known history of Black pioneers in the Adirondacks, there is always more to learn about the profound and enduring impact that African Americans have had on New York State’s vibrant history. The events and exhibits planned for Black History Month at the Cultural Education Center shine a light on these important stories while simultaneously emphasizing the difficult work that lies ahead to ensure true societal equity. The Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that Black history is taught, celebrated, and honored throughout the year, and not simply relegated to the month of February.”  

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “The Cultural Education Center is home to many exhibits, historical items, and multimedia presentations that celebrate Black history in New York State. The opportunity to highlight these windows into the lived experience of African Americans is incredibly important year-round and, especially during Black History Month. I encourage New Yorkers to dive into the rich culture, creativity, and resiliency presented through these events and exhibits that honor this vital piece of our State’s history.” 

New Exhibit—The Power of Homestead 
On View: January 31 – June 29, 2025 
Location: New York State Museum Lobby 

Dive into the powerful narrative of Thomas and Betty Powell and their descendants, whose journey from enslavement to 140 years of land ownership exemplifies resilience, triumph, and community strength. This immersive exhibition combines groundbreaking archaeological discoveries with historical research, shedding light on the successes and challenges of African American farmers in the Hudson River Valley. “The Power of Homestead” underscores the transformative importance of land ownership in fostering generational wealth and empowering communities while confronting the persistent legacies of inequality. 

New Display—Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights Activists 
On View: February 1–28, 2025
Location: New York State Library, 7th Floor 

Explore a defining chapter of the Civil Rights Movement with a new display that honors the indelible contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his fellow activists. This thoughtfully curated collection showcases rare books, magazines, and historical newspapers from the Library’s vast archives, offering a unique look at the pivotal moments and figures who reshaped America’s fight for equality. Join us in commemorating the courage and vision of those who sparked a revolution that continues to resonate today. 

New Display—Embattled: The Triumphs & Trials of Black New York Soldiers 
On View: February 1–28, 2025 
Location: New York State Archives & Library, 11th Floor Lobby 

The New York State Archives and New York State Library’s Manuscripts and Special Collections will present a joint Black History Month display titled Embattled: The Triumphs & Trials of Black New York Soldiers, which highlights the achievements of Black military regiments and their fight for equality both on and off the battlefield. The exhibit will feature images, letters, government documents, and other records from the Civil War, World War I, and World War II eras. Notable items include muster roll abstracts of the Harlem Hellfighters, records of the 15th New York Regiment, personal papers of Black servicemen and women, and writings like John Henry Williams’s A Negro Looks at War and Arthur W. Little’s From Harlem to the Rhine. 

Event—The Black Woods: A Scheme of Justice and Benevolence 
Date: February 4, 2025 
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM 
Location: Webinar 
Register for The Black Woods: A Scheme of Justice and Benevolence 

The Black Woods by Amy Godine revives the forgotten history of Black pioneers in New York's Adirondacks. From the 1840s to the 1860s, they built farms to meet property requirements for Black suffrage. Supported by abolitionists like Gerrit Smith and John Brown, these communities fought for racial justice and citizenship but were marginalized for 150 years. Join author Amy Godine in this virtual program to hear powerful accounts of their struggle for justice and the heroes who shaped their legacy. 

Event—WMHT Documentary Broadcast Premiere and Discussion—North to New York: The Great Migration in NY’s Capital Region 
Date: February 8, 2025 
Time: 3:00 PM 
Location: New York State Museum, Huxley Theater 
Cost: Free 

Experience the premiere of WMHT’s compelling documentary North to New York: The Great Migration in New York’s Capital Region, a local companion to Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s PBS special. This film, based on two decades of research by New York State Museum Chief Historian Dr. Jennifer Lemak, explores the transformative stories of families who migrated from Mississippi to Albany, shaping the cultural and demographic fabric of the Capital Region. Following the screening, a panel discussion featuring historians, community members, and filmmakers will offer a deeper exploration of the Great Migration’s impact on the Capital Region, including the establishment of a community created by and for migrants from Mississippi. 

Webinar—HBCU: The Power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Date: February 13, 2025 
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 
Location: Webinar 
Register for HBCU: The Power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

Join Marybeth Gasman and Levon Esters for an engaging presentation and discussion of their book HBCU: The Power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2024). Explore the vital role of HBCUs in fostering educational equity, empowering Black excellence, and driving social change. Through powerful stories and research, the authors illuminate these institutions' enduring legacy and transformative impact on individuals and communities. 

Webinar—The Handbook of Black Librarianship – Past, Present, and Future 
Date: February 14, 2025 
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 
Location: Webinar 
Register for The Handbook of Black Librarianship – Past, Present, and Future 

The Handbook of Black Librarianship, first published in 1977 by E.J. Josey, offered resources on African Americans in librarianship, with a second edition in 2000. The newly released third edition, edited by Andrew "Sekou” Jackson, Marva L. Deloach, and Michele Fenton, updates past content and includes over 70 new essays on topics like Vital Issues, Community Services, Library Technology, and Banned Books. In this webinar, the editors will share their connection to the Handbook, the process behind this edition, and ways to use it to strengthen library engagement and community impact. 

Event—Interactive African Drumming and Dance with Jordan Taylor Hill
Date: February 19, 2025 
Time: 1:00 PM 
Location: New York State Museum 
Cost: Free 

Get ready for an unforgettable cultural experience with the electrifying Jordan Taylor Hill in partnership with Troy Music Hall. This dynamic two-part event kicks off with a powerful traditional African drumming performance that will ignite your spirit, followed by an interactive drumming and dance session where you can immerse yourself in the rhythm and movement. Renowned for his captivating artistry and ability to engage audiences of all ages, Jordan brings the rich traditions of African music and dance to life. Perfect for families, this hands-on celebration promises to inspire, educate, and connect participants through the universal language of music. Don’t miss this vibrant fusion of entertainment and cultural discovery! 

Event—Explore Historical Black Newspaper Databases 
Date: February 19, 2025 
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM 
Location: New York State Library, 7th Floor 
Cost: Free 

Discover the stories of Black voices and activists through historical Black newspaper databases. Librarians from the New York State Library will guide participants through invaluable resources such as Freedom’s Journal, The North Star, and the Black Abolitionist Papers. Participants will also explore African American Newspapers: The 19th Century database, featuring The Freedom's Journal, The Colored American, The North Star, Frederick Douglass' Paper, The National Era, Provincial Freeman, and The Christian Recorder, as well as the Civil War Collection. These tools offer a gateway to uncovering the rich tapestry of Black history. 

Event—Film Screening of Searching for Timbuctoo (2021) and Conservation with the Director Paul Miller 
Date: February 20, 2025 
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM 
Location: New York State Museum, Huxley Theater
Cost: Free

In 1846, New York State required African American men to own $250 in property to vote. To counter this unjust law, abolitionist Gerrit Smith distributed 120,000 acres of land to 3,000 free Black men, granting them voting rights. Searching for Timbuctoo reveals this forgotten settlement and follows archaeologists uncovering its traces. Join a special screening and conversation with the film's director, Paul Miller, to explore this powerful story. 

Webinar—The Journey to Freedom Project – Preserving Local Stories from the Civil Rights Movement 
Date: February 21, 2025 
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 
Location: Webinar 
Register for The Journey to Freedom Project – Preserving Local Stories from the Civil Rights Movement 

The Journey to Freedom project documents stories of Capital Region residents who participated in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the impact of ordinary people in advancing social justice. Led by Siena College professor Dr. Paul Murray and educator Donald Hyman, with videographers Kirk Daniels and Zebulon Schmidt, the project documented the experiences of 15 activists. A webinar on the project shares its history, development, and guidance for replicating similar initiatives in other communities. 
 

About the Cultural Education Center     

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 1.1 billion years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website.  

The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department. Visit the New York State Library website for a complete list of upcoming programs. To receive news, resources, and other updates, please subscribe to the quarterly newsletter.     

The New York State Archives holds many of the oldest and most important archival treasures in the nation. The Archives preserves and makes accessible over 250 million records of New York’s State and colonial governments dating from 1630 to the present. The State Archives provides free access to photographs, artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and other materials that tell the story of New York’s history via its Digital Collections on the Archives website.      

The Archives Partnership Trust was founded in 1992 to build an endowment and provide project support to enhance humanities programs, increase access to these outstanding treasures, and continue the preservation of New York's historical records. Since its founding, the Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has supported exceptional projects and programs. These include the Research Residency Program, the Student Research Awards Program, history conferences, special exhibitions, public education programs, book signings and lectures, publications, teacher training institutes, preservation projects, and more.     

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or by visiting the Office of Cultural Education website.    

 

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