images of parents with their children
February 22, 2019
Dear Parents,

The New York State Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) have been celebrating Black History Month all month with reflections, a resolution, a social media campaign, a State Museum exhibition, and events at cultural institutions across the state. Find out more below:
  1. February Board of Regents Meeting
    At the February Board of Regents meeting, members of the Board of Regents offered moving reflections on the meaning, intent, and significance of recognizing historical contributions by African Americans throughout our nation's history. In addition, Board members honored the first African American Regent, Dr. Kenneth B. Clark, with a resolution recognizing him as a groundbreaking educator, author, psychologist, and advocate for racial integration. The Clark Auditorium at the New York State Museum is named for Dr. Clark.
     
  2. #MyHistoryMyFuture
    NYSED, together with The Education Trust-New York, is highlighting New York State My Brother's Keeper (MBK) students throughout the month on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The #MyHistoryMyFuture campaign features inspiring quotes from outstanding students who are sharing how MBK has changed their lives and what their hopes and dreams are for the future.
     
  3. New York State Museum Exhibition and Cultural Events
    The New York State Museum is recognizing the importance of Black History Month in a number of ways. Black History Month events are taking place at museums and historical societies across New York, and event dates are listed on the State Museum's website. In addition, Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow is a poster exhibition now open at the Museum that details the national story of the struggle for black equality after the end of slavery and through the Jim Crow era. Artifacts from the Museum's African American history collection will also be on display from February 5 through March 3.

    When we remember and learn from the past, we can make our future better and brighter. The exhibition at the Museum prompts us to learn about a chapter in our nation's past between the Civil War and World War II when African Americans' rights were not respected. As we learn from the exhibition, we salute and honor the African Americans of the past and present who lead us forward and demonstrate the true meaning of progress and equality.
For those of you on school break this week, I hope you have had the chance to spend extra time with family and friends. Please spread the word in your communities about my parent email list, and help us all stay connected!
 
Sincerely,
 
MaryEllen Elia
Commissioner
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