Black History Month Gala 2022
- NYIT Black Student Union New York City
- Apr 26, 2022
- 4 min read
This dinner serves as a place where we can not only acknowledge black excellence at New York Tech but celebrate it. Due to Covid, a lot has changed, so we have had to think outside of the box, literally, hence the gala. When we began planning for this night, we were told there would be a limit on how many people could attend, if there could be food, establishing social distance protocols, etc., basically, we were living in a world of “no’s” or “not right now”, but being the resilient people we are, the e-board thought of a way to have this celebration and expand it to reach as many people as possible. So, we left the box- the 11th-floor auditorium and expanded this celebration to the entire floor. As you walked around the hallways, you have witnessed beautifully expressed artwork from not only Black students at New York Tech, but from black artists local to New York City. We wanted to give our guest the MET gala experience, but in black. As you witnessed the talent brought to you by the performers present that day, the keynote speaker’s address, and networking that has taken place, we asked that our guests remember why we celebrate Black History Month. This month is not only in place to remember the travesties our people have experienced and survived through, but to remember in the face of ignorance and resistance, we were able to write our own deliverance. Throughout this month, the BSU has highlighted different historical figures and why they were important to us, such as an engineer named Lonnie Johnson, Lauryn Hill, an actress, songwriter, singer, and rapper, Sam Cooke, an entrepreneur, singer, entertainer, and civil rights activist, an author named, James Baldwin, who is known for being at the forefront of the Harlem renaissance and an activist for not only civil rights, but gender equality, the rights for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and human rights, Kevin Hart, an entertainer, actor, and businessman, and Elizabeth Acevedo, a author and poet, but we also recognized that there are a plethora of other black artists, inventors, authors, celebrities, doctors, scientists, teachers, lawyers, judges, producers, presidents, vice presidents, CEO’s, architects, entrepreneurs, trendsetters, and anything else you could think of that we have to recognize.
One month is not enough, honestly, we will never have enough time to recognize all that our people have brought here and what we continue to give to this country, a country that doesn’t really return the love back. But that is why we have the BSU, to serve as a reminder that we will not only celebrate black history, but we are the evidence of black excellence that is yet to come.
In the words of Malcolm X, “It is a time for martyrs now, and if I am to be one, it will be for the cause of brotherhood. That's the only thing that can save this country.” It is and will always be the time to fight for what we believe in and to work together, black students and our allies, to create a better tomorrow, not only for us but for those to come. Together, we can continue to demand change and respect, while also building empires within our communities. Tonight was a showcase of talent and appreciation for what has come, what is present, and what we will expect in the future.
Gallery
Keynote Speaker
Kinsley McNulty
Kinsley McNulty, born and raised in New York State, graduated from Yale University in 2018 with a Bachelors in Ethnicity, Race, and Migration. He is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Student Affairs Administration at Michigan State University. During his two years working in New York Tech's Student Life Department, he served as Program Coordinator supporting Student Engagement's clubs, organizations, and honor societies, including the Black Student Union as our student engagement advisor. Additionally, Kinsley aided in the launch of Student Life's DEI Series and Open Dialogues programming. Upon completion of his program, he aspires to use his knowledge as a catalyst to help students realize their own strengths and pursue their purpose.
Presidential Remarks:
Reminiscing on this memorable evening at our 5th annual Black history Month dinner, I would like to thank everyone who participated and supported this organization and it’s endeavors at New York Tech. Your support and efforts are greatly appreciated and have allowed us to continue to develop and foster a strong community, and strengthen the hub for our fellow students who will continue to build a lasting legacy for future generations.
A special thanks to the National Society of Black Engineers, the Office of Student Life at New York Tech, and our wonderful members, whom without this would not have been possible. I would also love to thank our Executive Board, Tiffany Roberts-VP, Kevin Gay- Secretary, Rasheed Martin- senator and Chantel Rodriguez- treasurer for their hard work and dedication. It truly is impressive seeing how this organization has matured and thrived with your drive and determination. On this day, Black History Month is celebrated worldwide and continues to expand, I am happy to see us all united and celebrating ourselves. Thank you
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