On February 16, 2023, Mercy College President Tim Hall hosted a Black History Month reception at his home to recognize leaders in the community and at Mercy who have advanced Black student achievement and furthered equitable and inclusive student outcomes in higher education. Guest speakers included: Dr. Bessie Blake, author and former dean for the School of New Resources at the College of New Rochelle (CNR); Dr. Joi Sampson, director of academic engagement, equity and inclusion at Mercy College; and Samuel Baiden ’23, Mercy College student and McNair Scholar.
“Mercy College is open for business, the business of changing lives and advancing the histories of families and students together, especially during this period when we celebrate Black History Month,” said Hall. “Mercy is proud to be the largest private minority-serving institution in New York State. Seventy percent of Mercy’s students are students of color, and about 25% of Mercy students are Black. We are proud that we have not only opened doors for them to come to Mercy, but that we are focused – with laser specificity – that they cross the finish line with a college degree.”
The reception gathered 50 honored guests including elected officials, community leaders, and Mercy students, Mercy and CNR alumni, faculty and staff. Many of the guests in attendance are staunch partners of Mercy in its efforts to ensure the academic, personal and professional success of its diverse student body.
“[Black History Month] is not just about the people who were leaders way back when. It’s about leaders who are still with us now and give us good examples in mentoring, which is why it is so great to hear from Dr. Blake,” said New York State Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky (AD 92) who was in attendance.
During the speaking program, Dr. Blake read a passage from her recent autobiography, “Love Lifted Me! ...from sharecropping to Harvard.” She explained, “At the center of the volume are four chapters on CNR where, under the leadership of Sister Dorothy Ann Kelly, I was privileged to serve, meet and befriend people from all walks of life. Among them were several Black history makers with whom I shared a common purpose. I trust that you will enjoy amazing stories about these icons; and that you find a few nuggets to aid in your preparation of students for the social justice and service missions to which we are all committed.”
Sampson spoke of how Black History Month embodies the values of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goes beyond just the coined term that is widely used these days, but it is about action. The taking of intentional steps for the betterment of people. I am glad to be part of an institution that has taken action to level the playing field and to celebrate the rising achievements of the next generation of students of color,” said Sampson.
Baiden, an immigrant from Ghana, Africa, shared his perspective as to why Black History Month is important. “Black History Month is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation and people,” he said. “While we’ve come a long way, there’s still much to be done.”
He concluded by quoting award-winning writer, speaker and author Danté Stewart. “Black History Month is not simply asking “how can I remember and learn about Black people? It is all of us asking “how we can love Black people by seeing them, hearing them and creating a world where Black people feel loved.”
Baiden feels that is what Mercy College has done for him. “Mercy College has elevated me and allowed me to accomplish what I never thought was possible,” he said.
The community reception was one of several events taking place at Mercy College in February in celebration of Black History Month. The Office of Campus Life is hosting or has hosted many student events, including West African dance lessons, a Black Excellence dinner honoring Black culture and art, educational programs about the history of Black Americans, and more.
To view highlights from Mercy College’s Black History Month celebration, please click .