The events surrounding “100 Years of the Schomburg Center” mark the centennial anniversary of the New York Public Library’s world-renowned Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of Black history and culture. The year-long celebration — of programs, exhibitions, special events, a limited-edition commemorative library card, and a “Schomburg Centennial Festival” and block party on June 14 — will honor generations of devoted librarians and staffers, patrons, supporters, and Arturo Schomburg, the Center’s namesake.
“Exactly 100 years ago today, the 135th Street Library in Harlem opened its Department of Negro Literature, History and Prints — the forerunner to today’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture,” wrote Schomburg Director Joy Bivins on May 8, the 100th anniversary of the department’s opening in 1925.
“The new division foregrounded Black history and culture and gave Harlemites and researchers a place devoted to the preservation and study of materials focused on global Black history and culture,” wrote Bivins, noting that “the acquisition of artworks, books, manuscripts, and more from the personal collection of our namesake Arturo Schomburg the following year expanded the vision.”
A cultural visionary, the Puerto Rico-born Schomburg was consumed with attaining Black history books, memorabilia and information that had been historically overlooked and was difficult for the public to access. The historian’s collection of books, pamphlets, art, artifacts and manuscripts was purchased for the New York Public Library in 1926 with the help of a $10,000 grant (more than $140,000 in today’s dollars) from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
The NYPL will also be celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month throughout June with a host of events.
Comedy faces DNA, race
The film “Adult Children of the American Revolution” — the short dramatic comedy that confronts the serious subjects of ancestry, DNA, and race in the U.S. — will be aired Sunday on CBS at noon, and on WLNY TV55 at 3 p.m.
A Black man attending a genealogy conference is reluctantly befriended by lily white relatives who surprisingly match the DNA in his family tree in the award-winning film short written, directed and produced by actress, journalist and award-winning screenwriter Juliette Fairley. The film, based on a true story, is airing as part of Badami TV’s “African American Short Films” series.
Golf funds education
Gathering golfers to support higher education, the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies will host the “Gaming for Good” benefit golf outing on June 20 at Brooklyn’s Marine Park Golf Course, 2880 Flatbush Ave., from noon to 8 p.m.
Registration closes Wednesday for the event that features dominoes and board game competitions, snacks, dinner and other amenities. To register, call (212) 759-9345 or email mwallace@afuwi.org.
