Past Community Events
Black Media Salon
May 10, Sylvia’s Restaurant
NY1 anchor and author Cheryl Wills hosted the Black Media Salon which gathered local and national Black media to give them a first look at the Black Studies curriculum. EEAP Coalition members Dr. Shango Blake, Michelle Patterson, Nina Stovel, Adrian Straker, and George Patterson participated in a panel that discussed the importance of the upcoming Black Studies curriculum. The EEAP Coalition also recognized the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Executive Editor Melanie Eversley for her commitment to telling Black stories authentically.
Influencing Education: A Conversation about Black Studies
May 12, Kokomo Harlem
The EEAP Coalition invited New York City community leaders to have a conversation about the impact of a Black studies curriculum in NYC Public schools. EEAP Coalition members Dr. Shango Blake, Michelle Patterson, Nina Stovel, Adrian Straker, and George Patterson were featured in a panel that discussed the impact a Black Studies curriculum would have on NYC students.
Barbershop Conversations: Shaping More than Hair
May 21, Denny Moe’s Superstar Barbershop
EEAP Coalition Leader and Hip Hop Principal Dr. Shango Blake was joined by acclaimed author and political commentator Bakari Sellers, education activist Jose Vilson, and NYC Department of Education’s George Patterson at the barbershop to discuss Black boys and the need for Black Studies in public schools. We went live on IG to spread the word about how the Black Studies curriculum will improve the self-knowledge and self-confidence of Black boys. The open community event featured a live DJ, food, and giveaways.
Be-YOU-Tiful: a Discussion about Black Girls, Education, and Confidence
May 21, Bak2Basics Nail Salon & Spa
An intimate discussion about self-confidence and self-love in the face of an education system that doesn’t always recognize and celebrate Black girls’ beauty and brilliance. The EEAP Coalition hosted Hair Educator and HBO Max “Not So Pretty” Documentary Star Keya Neal, Teacher and Beauty Coach Treanna Neufville, and EEAP Coalition Leaders Adrian Straker, Nina Simone Stovel, and Michelle Patterson in a panel discussion of the history of Black hair and beauty, the difficulty of confidence for Black girls, and how the Black Studies curriculum will bridge gaps for young women. The open community event featured music, food, and giveaways.
Black Studies Curriculum: Laundromat Social
June 4, Laundromat at Polo Grounds & Sudsy Water
The EEAP Coalition hosted a party for the community at the laundromat to spread the word to the local community about the Black Studies curriculum coming to NYC. The event features Black trivia.