Faculty in York College’s Department of History, Philosophy, and Anthropology have spent the academic year spotlighting the rich history and contributions of African Americans in the United States through a series of public programs on campus and across the region.
Most recently, Professor Andrew Jackson, in collaboration with representatives from the Africana Resource Center, presented “The Psychological Warfare of Jim Crow” in the York College Art Gallery. The exhibition featured artifacts from the collection of Shelley Brazley, including historical photographs, documents, and everyday objects that illustrated how Jim Crow laws and imagery enforced a system of racial segregation and psychological control. The event drew students, faculty, and community members for guided discussions on the lasting impact of this era.
In March, to mark Women’s History Month, the Department honored Corporal Madeliene Coleman Roach, a York College alumna and member of the historic 6888th U.S. Army Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during World War II. Through lectures and community events, faculty highlighted Roach’s service and the battalion’s crucial role in maintaining troop morale by clearing massive backlogs of mail destined for American soldiers.
The Department’s outreach extended well beyond campus during Black History Month in February. Professor Jackson and Dr. Patricia Haggler, chair of the Department, traveled throughout the city to deliver talks on Black history at the Central Islip Public Library, Corona Congregational Church, East Elmhurst/Corona Civic Association, North Babylon Public Library, New York State Library, Lefrak Senior Center, Queens Community Board 3, and the advocacy organization Color of Change.
Across these initiatives, the Department emphasized that African American history is not only a field of study, but a vital, ongoing conversation with local communities.
