Howard Dodson

For over 80 years the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture — a research unit of The New York Public Library recognized as one of the leading institutions of its kind in the world — has collected, preserved and provided access to materials documenting black life and promoted the study and interpretation of the history and culture of peoples of African descent.

For 25 of these years the man who has been at the heart and center of the collection is Howard Dodson — our neighbor and guest speaker at Mount Morris Talks, Thursday, May 5 at 6:30 PM.

When Howard Dodson arrived at the Schomburg Center in 1984, the 135th Street neighborhood was a far cry from its current state. With a clear passion for black history and the words and culture of our ancestors, Mr. Dodson spent his career at the Center preserving and sharing our heritage.

During his tenure, he saw an increase in the collections, a new scholar-in-residence program, making the collections available online, and shifting their target audience from just scholars to the general public and school children.

Mr. Dodson will retire this year from his post as director. He says “We have established an institution on a firm foundation. We have gathered a significant number of resources for people to know about our black past. We’ve influenced African-American studies and the respect and appreciation for black history and the black experience around the world.”

Please join us for this unique opportunity to meet Howard Dodson and discuss black culture, the Schomburg Center and how he turned his passion into a rewarding career.

Mount Morris Talks! is a series of conversations between the community and leaders, news makers, artists, authors and thinkers who live in the Harlem area. MMPCIA is proud to sponsor this series and offers it free of charge to the community.