Social Justice Teach-In

Our 2024 theme, chosen by Black Onyx: The Black Student Union is, “Be the Change You Wish to See.” 

We invite students, faculty, staff and community members to contribute a teach-in session that aligns directly to our theme and speaks to the meaning of Black Solidarity Day, and/or that engages with social justice, broadly defined. 

Session proposals can focus on a variety of topics and include diverse formats such as a collection of readings, a lecture, workshop, an exercise, a performance, or a discussion. Learn more and submit your proposal!

Proposal Form for 2024 Black Solidarity Day

• Kick-Off — 8:15 a.m. in Warren Ballrooms in the Angell College Center
• Breakout Sessions — 9 a.m. to  noon
• Lunchtime Activities — Noon to 1 p.m.
• Afternoon Breakout Sessions — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Keynote Speaker Presentation — 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. in Warren Ballrooms
• Candlelight Vigil — 8 p.m. in Warren Ballrooms

More information and a detailed schedule of events will be available in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

• Naomi Adebayo
• Jennifer Bleaux
• Michelle Bonati
• Dexter Criss
• Mackenzie Dumas
• Shaniah Fairweather
• Bridget Haina
• Allison Heard
• Gary Kroll
• Jackie Madison
• Jo Ellen Miano
• Priyanka Patel
• LeGita Scott-Williams
• Priyanka Singh
• Virginia Siskavich-Bosley
• Evelyn Vicencio
• Sydney Wise

Activist, and former SUNY Old Westbury professor, Carlos Russell created Black Solidarity Day in 1969. He was inspired by Douglas Turner Ward’s play, “Day of Absence.” The plot focuses on a fictional town where the Black residents suddenly disappear, resulting in the White residents realizing how much of their lives rely on Black labor. As part of this annual day, and to highlight their contributions to society, Black people were encouraged not to work and not to shop as a form of economic protest. Instead, they were encouraged to engage in educating and enlightening their communities (Price, 2018). Since 1969, members of college campuses have recognized Black Solidarity Day by convening panel discussions, educational workshops, rallies, and other culturally enlightening forums.

Black Solidarity Day is a student-driven initiative. Shiyiheeim Nartey-Tokoli, the former treasurer of the Student Association wrote the proposal to have SUNY Plattsburgh recognize this day as a holiday. The proposal was revised and re-submitted by Mac-Olivier Lalanne, a former senator of the Student Association. Ohemaa Owusu-Poku, a former member of the Student Association executive board and the former coordinator of student affairs and diversity, and Ahmed Metwaly, the former president of the Student Association worked with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee to develop a plan for how the campus could recognize Black Solidarity Day. After the proposal was endorsed by the Faculty Senate and endorsed by the administration in Spring 2022, Black Solidarity Day became part of the SUNY Plattsburgh academic calendar, to be held annually on the first Monday of November.

In recognition of Black Solidarity Day, our campus hosts a social justice teach-in featuring programming for the Plattsburgh community about racial justice, anti-racism, and social justice, broadly defined. A teach-in is an organized event, typically hosted on a university campus, focused on raising awareness and developing knowledge to address inequities and social justice. The overarching goal is to support the educational empowerment of students, staff, faculty, and community members who participate in the day, and to honor the diverse voices of those who contribute to our community. A social justice teach-in aligns with Dr. Russell’s vision for Black Solidarity Day to engage in educational empowerment. Social justice teach-ins were held in 2017 and 2019 on our campus. SUNY Plattsburgh has institutionalized the Black Solidarity Day teach-in, as an annual event which aligns with our commitment to inclusion, equity, belonging, and justice for all.

The Social Justice Teach-In will be a full-day event. During the morning and afternoon, students, staff, faculty, and community members can choose from over 50 breakout sessions ranging from workshops, readings, performances, discussions, and presentations on a diverse range of issues related to social justice.

During lunchtime, there will be food truck vendors to buy lunch, free hot chocolate and cider provided by the DEI Office, and entertainment. Multicultural businesses, student entrepreneurs, and community groups will also host tables to share information about their organizations.

We will cap off the day with a keynote presentation. Faculty, staff, students and community members are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible. A virtual track will also be available for those who want to attend from afar.