Looking Ahead: Lunar New Year and Black Heritage Month | January 2025
Register now for exciting events in January and February!
Here is a chance to learn more about Lunar New Year traditions with performances, games and international cuisines! The Division of Diversity and Inclusion is collaborating with Saunders College of Business, the College Activities Board and others for a Lunar New Year Celebration, Friday, January 31st from 3 to 6 pm in the Susan R. Holliday Center (Room 4050), Max Lowenthal Hall. Registration is required. This event is open to the RIT community but you’ll need to register first. Learn more and register here
Following that event, head over to the Student Alumni Union Lobby and Fireside Lounge for the College Activities Board Lunar New Year Celebration also on Friday, January 31st beginning at 6pm and running until 9pm. This event features food, student club tabling, and more exciting performances!
In February, it’s Black Heritage Month with the kickoff Monday, February 3rd from noon to 2pm in Fireside Lounge. Come celebrate “Black Joy as Resistance” in this first event of many during the month. You can take part in a community activity, honor the Black experience through poetry, and enjoy performances from Afro Dance Club and Alpha Phi Alpha. And yes, food is provided.
You can register for the kickoff event here
There are loads of other interesting things you can do during Black Heritage Month, even a trip off campus. Take a look:
Foreigners Everywhere: Stories of Black Diaspora in Renaissance Europe, Tuesday, February 11th from 5-7pm in the College of Liberal Arts Lecture Hall A 205. This event reframes the common understanding of Renaissance Europe, the film "We Were Here — The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe" (2024) challenges the notion that all Black people were slaves or servants. It reveals a diverse presence, including princes, ambassadors, merchants, and religious figures. Narrated from an Afro-European perspective, it explores stories absent from traditional history books and unveils the untold history of Black Africans in that vibrant chapter of history. Join us for a film screening (55 minutes) followed by a panel discussion with director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu. This event is part of Viva l’Italia - RIT Celebrates Italy and Black Heritage Month.
Register here for the film screening
Here’s a chance to come out and mix and mingle! There will be a Black Heritage Month Mixer, Wednesday, February 12th from 5-7pm at Gracie’s. Join other RIT students, staff, and faculty in recognition of their Black identities and experiences.
Thursday, February 27th: Into the ROC: The Wiz with the Rochester Broadway Theatre League from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. In partnership with NTID, take a trip to West Herr Auditorium Theatre to see a performance of The Wiz. It's the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but not quite the way you know it. Written by Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown, The Wiz reimagines the story of Dorothy and friends with an African-American cast and a lot of great gospel and soul music. Tickets cost $8 per person and can be paid for via Campus Groups. Transportation will be provided, but students can also drive themselves if they alert CLCE prior to the event.
Here are the two Campus Groups Registration Links you will need: RIT Students and for NTID Students.