Rockland County, NY (February 18, 2025) – Rockland Community College (RCC) is celebrating Black History Month with enriching and engaging events throughout the month of February with a focus on the theme “African Americans and Labor – Strength, Resilience, and Progress,” honoring the vital role Black workers have played in shaping the nation’s economic, social, and cultural landscape. From the forced labor of enslaved Africans to the rise of Black entrepreneurship and labor activism, African Americans have been key drivers of progress.
“As we reflect on the legacy of African Americans in our culture, we also recognize the ongoing fight for fair wages, workplace rights, and economic empowerment. We hope the community will join us for campus-wide events, discussions, and celebrations as we honor the past, acknowledge present achievements, and inspire the future of work,” stated Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge.
All events are free and more information can be found here https://sunyrockland.edu/media/black-history-month/
Tuesday, February 18, 12:30 pm EST
Movie Day: Six. Triple. Eight.
The Six Triple Eight (2024) is a war drama written and directed by Tyler Perry, based on Kevin M. Hymel’s article “Fighting a Two-Front War.” It follows the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female unit in WWII. The ensemble cast includes Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, Pepi Sonuga, Gregg Sulkin, Susan Sarandon, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston, Kylie Jefferson, Moriah Brown, and Oprah Winfrey.
Thursday, February 20, 12:30 pm EST
Building Tomorrow: The Role of Advanced Manufacturing in Shaping the Future
Key shifts and developments that have reshaped the manufacturing industry over the years. Participants will reflect on how these changes have improved efficiency, quality, and customization in manufacturing, while also discussing emerging trends and what the future holds for the industry.
Wednesday, February 26, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST
Move & Inspire: Building Strength Together
Campus Session: Fitness and Focus
10:00 – 10:50 AM, Nelson Mandela Room (Student Union, 3214)
Explore the role of African Americans in labor through fitness, empowerment, and self-discipline. Learn how movement and mindset can fuel success and resilience.
Workout with Giant Thinking
11:00 – 11:50 AM, Fieldhouse
A high-energy session combining fitness and critical thinking to build strength and self-awareness. Join Hassan Yasin-Bradley to push your limits mentally and physically.
About Hassan Yasin-Bradley & Giant Thinking
Hassan Yasin-Bradley is a motivational speaker and founder of Giant Thinking, a program that combines fitness and critical thinking to empower individuals. His mission is to help youth and young adults build strength, confidence, and self-worth while making healthy decisions under difficult circumstances.
With principles like “Health is Wealth,” “Movement is Medicine,” and “Community over Contest,” Giant Thinking focuses on physical fitness and mental growth, encouraging participants to challenge themselves and grow both body and mind.
About Rockland Community College, State University of New York
Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCCs institutional collaborations. RCC also provides career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and microcredentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high-demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at sunyrockland.edu.
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