'African-American Experience in New York' at Medgar Evers College

Institution Will be the First of Several Stops as the Exhibit Travels Around the State

Governor Cuomo today announced the opening of the traveling African American Experience in New York exhibit at Medgar Evers College.

The exhibit, which had been on display in the War Room of the State Capitol since February, highlights the same themes and people who were honored during Black History Month.

"This exhibit helps tell the story of some of New York State's most prominent African American citizens and honors the contributions they made in advancing the cause of equal rights and fair treatment for all Americans," Governor Cuomo said.

"Giving people from around the state the opportunity to visit the exhibit in person will be a chance for all New Yorkers to learn more about the state's significant contribution to African American heritage and history."

After an unveiling ceremony in February, Governor Cuomo directed that the exhibit travel around the state so all New Yorkers would have the opportunity to learn more about the individuals the display highlighted.

While the exhibit was on display at the Capitol, individuals unable to visit Albany were able to virtually explore the material on the Governor’s website.

Allowing people to visit a traveling version of the exhibit will enhance the learning experience and afford New Yorkers a chance to learn more about African American history in New York. 

The unveiling of the traveling exhibit will be done in conjunction with Juneteenth celebrations occurring around the State. Juneteenth honors African Americans’ heritage and their struggle against slavery and for equal rights. Its origins can be traced back to the end of the Civil War.

In September of 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that any slave living in one of the Confederate states was considered free. It went into effect in January of 1863.

Unfortunately, many slaves, especially those living in the deep-south, were unaware of the Proclamation and the freedom it granted them until Union soldiers occupied those areas during the late spring and early summer of 1865.

The last place to be emancipated was Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. Because of the length of time it took for many slaves to be freed, African American communities today celebrate Emancipation over a number of days, ranging from June 10th through the 19th.

"I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for choosing Medgar Evers College as the first site for the traveling ‘African-American Experience in New York’ exhibit. The history of the struggle for equality, as told through the life stories of these remarkable men and women, should serve as an inspiration for the students who attend class here. Hopefully, they will discover, through their academic studies, the need to continue that struggle for justice in the same manner and with the same zeal that Medgar Evers showed before his Assassination," said Dr. William Pollard, President of Medgar Evers College.

Assembly Member Nick Perry added, "This exhibition, Juneteenth-The African Experience, will provide a great opportunity for Brooklynites, both young and old, to join in the celebration of a freedom which African-Americans fought for and earned, many having made the ultimate sacrifice. As Juneteenth represents the day when the last slaves in the US were freed after emancipation, today serves as a vital and poignant reminder of our history, and represents the powerful resolve and unrelenting spirit of our ancestors."

The exhibit will remain at Medgar Evers College through the summer.