Opening for the 1619 Commemorative Week of Events

Four hundred years ago, in August 1619, more than 20 Africans arrived
in North America against their will. From October 21-26, the university
will hold a series of events to honor the strength, perseverance,
ingenuity, and national and global contributions of the descendants of
enslaved Africans in the United States over the last 400 years.

From October 21-26, Southern Connecticut State University will hold a series
of events to honor the strength, perseverance, ingenuity, and national
and global contributions of the descendants of enslaved Africans in the
United States over the last 400 years.

This opening event for the 1619 Commemorative Week of Events includes:

• a keynote address by Dr. Marc Lamont Hill - BET news host, social
  justice advocate, and professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at
  Temple University
• remarks from New Haven Mayor Toni Harp and SCSU President Joe Bertolino
• an interfaith ceremony honoring the ancestors
• Connecticut legends awards presentations for Freedom Rider Lula Mae
  White, Connecticut Black Panther Party Co-Founder George Edwards, and
  Alfred Marder Amistad/CT Freedom Trail
• short film screening, "They Came Across the Water: Precious Black Cargo"

Learn more about the 1619 Week of Events