Black History Month

February 2024: African Americans in the Arts

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has announced that the national theme for Black History Month 2024 is African Americans in the Arts. African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. As part of FIT’s Black History Month activities, we will present research and other works of faculty and staff that are relevant to this topic. Programming on the theme will come from within our own community and will be presented during the month of February 2024.

Programming may range from panel discussions and interviews to exhibitions of art, literature, and poetry to research material and white papers—any medium that allows us to come together as a college community to discuss, better understand, remember, and celebrate African Americans in the Arts.

Most of FIT's Black History Month programming is for the FIT community only. Individual events that are open to the public will be noted below.  After some programs have aired, they will be available on-demand and posted here. 

A Message from President Joyce F. Brown

FIT President Joyce F. Brown describes the importance of this year's Black History Month theme, African Americans in the Arts, to the college in her address to the community.

Events

Black Student Union Exhibition: Love Thy Neighbor’Hood
January 24–February 11, 2024
Gallery FIT, The Museum at FIT
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — MORE DETAILS

Black in Business: The Journey of Entrepreneurs—Black History Month Alumni x Student Mixer
February 1, 6–8 pm
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre

Lecture Series: Welcome to the Black Renaissance: Using Beyoncé to Discuss Nigresence and Black Student Support
February 2, 8, 15, and 28
Various locations on campus and virtual sessions

The SAB Presents: Step Afrika!
February 12, 5 pm
Haft Theater

UCE of FIT Black History Month Event: Race, Space and Place Perceptions in Gentrifying NYC
February 20, 12:30–2 pm
Robert Lagary Board Room
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — MORE DETAILS
Note: This event has reached capacity; reservations are now closed.

Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion: Donyale Luna: Supermodel
February 28, 6–8:30 pm
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — MORE DETAILS

The New Stereotype  (Note: new time and location)
February  29,  2–3 pm
Dubinsky Student Center, Eighth Floor Alcove