Stony Brook’s Black History Month Highlights Social Activism

STONY BROOK, NY – The theme of Stony Brook University’s Black History Month celebrations this February is “Sankofa! Social Activism,” and the ceremonies will feature two alumni serving as keynote speakers.

“Sankofa! Social Activism” seeks to increase awareness about the historical legacy of the African American experience in the struggle for equality, inclusion, and social change, the university said when announcing the BHM events Jan. 26.

Franck D. Joseph II, a 2012 graduate and the former chief of staff and senior advisor to the Office of the Queens Borough President, will serve as keynote speaker for the opening ceremony; and Michelle Mbekeani, a 2011 alumni and policy advisor at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in Chicago, was named keynote speaker for the closing ceremonies. Both graduates have been named Stony Brook “40 Under Forty” honorees.

“We celebrate this long-standing tradition at Stony Brook University and recognize this is a pivotal time in America's history, Dr. Judith Brown Clarke, vice president for Equity & Inclusion and chief diversity officer, said in a statement. “We seek to commemorate the invaluable contributions of African Americans and provide the opportunity to hear our own alumni Franck Joseph II and Michelle Mbekeani demonstrate their leadership and vision to our students and the community overall.”

The concept of Sankofa has its origin in Ghana, West Africa, according to Stony Brook University. When translated, it means that "it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot." Sankofa is used throughout the pan-African world to promote the idea that African people must go back to their roots in order to move forward. The theme was created to re-ignite awareness, appreciation, passion, and commitment to BHM for all people, but especially those whose ancestors are from the African Diaspora, the university said.

The following BHM cultural, artistic and historical community events will be conducted in a hybrid fashion: in-person and virtually via Zoom with online events open to the public (registration requested):

• Feb. 2, 1 p.m. ET: Black History Month Opening Ceremony (Virtual Event). This event features Keynote Speaker Franck D. Joseph II, who graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Political Science in 2012. Register here.
• Feb. 17 at 7pm, ET: Black History Month Open Mike, Spoken Word Contest. This event is an opportunity for SBU students to showcase their gifts and intellect through spoken word and diverse modes of expression. Performers will present their work virtually and live during the contest. This program will be virtual. It also can be viewed in-person in the SAC Auditorium.
• Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Black History Month Closing Ceremony. This will be a virtual-only address given by keynote speaker Michelle Mbekeani.

Black History Month activities at Stony Brook University are coordinated by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Department of Africana Studies and the Black History Month Committee.
Media Contact: Joan Behan-Duncan at Stony Brook Media Relations at 631 901-4005.