Centennial celebration at Schomburg Center, a fortress of African American scholarly pursuit and artistry
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a vital cultural and educational institution located in the heart of Harlem, New York City, celebrates its rich history and ongoing significance as it marks its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1925 by Afro-Latino bibliophile Arturo Schomburg, the Center was established when Schomburg sold his extensive personal collection of books, manuscripts, and artifacts related to Black history to the New York Public Library's Division of Negro Literature, History, and Prints.
Today, the Schomburg Center stands as one of the world's largest research collections dedicated to the Black experience, housing over 11 million items. It continues to serve as a vital cultural and educational institution, empowering Black voices globally and preserving the history of the African diaspora.
The Center provides a space for research, learning, and celebration of Black culture. Its exhibitions, public programs, and archives stimulate knowledge and pride in Black history. K.C. Matthews, the deputy director of operations and external engagement at the Schomburg Center, emphasises the importance of this work, encouraging anyone interested in preserving a commitment to history and fact to dedicate themselves to research and learning, describing it as a lifelong pursuit.
The Schomburg Center's archive is a living thing, according to Matthews, because it continues to expand and is in conversation with itself. This is evident in the current exhibition, "100: A Century of Collections, Community and Creativity," which showcases Black luminaries throughout U.S. and world history. Arturo Schomburg's guiding belief that Black people must remake their past to make their future is on display in this exhibition.
The Center has faced challenges related to funding cuts and political pressures that threaten programs teaching Black history. Under the Trump administration, like many libraries, it experienced funding reductions that could impact its operations and outreach. There have also been broader societal threats and censorship efforts aimed at Black history education, intensifying the need for institutions like the Schomburg to remain resilient and active in their mission.
Despite these challenges, the Schomburg Center remains a cultural mainstay of Harlem, New York City, and the United States. Its centennial celebration included a series of literary and cultural events, culminating in a block party featuring Slick Rick and DJ D-Nice. In September, the Center will present the first annual Jean Blackwell Hutson award to Carla Hayden, the first woman and first Black person to be appointed Librarian of Congress.
The Schomburg Center's mission to preserve and make public historical materials about Black America becomes ever more important amid national threats to libraries and research institutions. Its role in promoting "by us, for us" traditions of education, especially important amid increasing challenges to Black history teachings, ensures that the legacy of Arturo Schomburg and the African diaspora continues to thrive.
The Schomburg Center's lifelong pursuit of research and learning in education-and-self-development is evident in its expanding archive, a living testament to the Black experience. Its emphasis on preserving Black history and promoting "by us, for us" traditions of education is crucial in today's society, particularly amid threats to libraries and the teaching of Black history.
