Laboring Towards Liberation: A Month of Celebration and Reflection at NJIT

Featured violinist Kwao Taylor's remarkable performance quickly engaged the 200+ attendees at the annual opening celebration for NJIT’s Black History Month. The month long celebration was marked by engaging events, insightful discussions and a strong sense of community on NJIT’s campus. 

February at NJIT was vibrant and featured events highlighting Black history, culture, people and achievement, centered around the powerful theme, "Laboring Towards Liberation." The opening celebration set the tone for the month. It honored the rich heritage and enduring impact of the Black community, fostering both celebration and education. 

Led by advisor and Black History Month committee member, Briana Trotty, NJIT’s Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Choir's uplifting performances were a significant highlight of the program, captivating the audience with their powerful harmonies and spiritual energy. Their soulful renditions of classic Black gospel and spiritual music honored the rich cultural heritage and brought the community together in celebration. Their musical contributions added an essential cultural dimension to the event, connecting all the attendees to the deep artistic traditions that have sustained Black communities through generations.  

The program also featured talented students who delivered liberating readings including student leader, Berodelie “Bebe” Saint Jules rendition of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” poem. These student messages of hope, strength, and perseverance resonated throughout NJIT's Campus Center Ballroom. Attendees were particularly intrigued by keynote speaker James Thompson, director for strategic partnerships at the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, who delivered a keynote address that connected environmental justice with community empowerment and public service.

Teik .jpg

NJIT’s most senior leaders were in attendance to support the program. Notably, President Teik Lim, Board of Trustee member Dr. Jason Baynes, NJIT Chief Community and Public Affairs Officer Angela Garretson and NJIT Chief Diversity Officer David Jones, offered words of reflection, action and inclusivity during the program:

• David Jones: "So many of our ancestors labored so we could feel that sense of liberation. I hope you will join me in taking immense pride in being part of the legacy of Black laborers and remain committed to carrying out these legacies to help reimagine the possibility for future generations."
• President Lim: "Black members of our community have been pioneers, innovators and leaders helping shape NJIT into the diverse and thriving institution it is today. We are one of the most diverse institutions in the country, and we make use of our diversity to strengthen our academic programs.” 
• Jason Baynes: "We need to keep working. We need to keep nurturing. We need to keep loving. And we need to keep supporting the Black culture at NJIT. I’m very confident under President Lim’s leadership that as we move forward — we aren’t looking back — for Black culture here. Continue to remember, we need to do this work every day, not just the month of February."
• Angela Garretson: “As we reflect again on this year’s theme, we must acknowledge that the path of liberation is not linear, but rather a constant process of learning and transformation.”

These words served as a testament to NJIT's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus. Significant progress has been made in recent years: full-time Black student enrollment has jumped 65% since 2018, and 6-year graduation rates have increased by more than 20% since 2010. NJIT is also a top 20 university for graduating Black engineers in the nation. The “Black experience,” as Dr. Baynes put it, has made leaps and bounds on campus.

The vibrant presence and reflections of student-run Black organizations, including the Black Student Union, National Society of Black Engineers, African Student Association, the Caribbean Student Association and numerous Greek fraternities and sororities, further enriched the event — and the campus experience. These organizations provide vital spaces for connection, support and cultural expression in shaping the NJIT experience and played a crucial role in the Black History Month opening celebration and month-long series of events and programs including the NSBE annual black-tie event, the Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Dinner. The special evening was dedicated to honoring and appreciating those who have supported NJIT’s NSBE chapter throughout the year, and was filled with meaningful connections, entertainment and a keynote by Marjorie Perry ‘05 , a distinguished alumna of NJIT and chair emerita of the university’s Foundation Board of Directors.

"Laboring Towards Liberation" served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of recognizing the contributions of Black individuals and communities. NJIT's Black History Month celebration was a testament to the university's commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all.