Inclusivity Programming
The Intercultural Center at MMC hosts a variety of diversity and inclusivity programs throughout the academic year. With speakers, workshops, social, and cultural events, students have ample opportunity to immerse themselves in the college’s rich array of activities. The programs offer enhanced student learning and help students develop their sensitivity as citizens of a global society.
We continue to celebrate annual events like the programs listed below. In addition to heritage programming, the office of Student Development and Activities sponsors events related to current experiences. If you have a programming suggestion please email activities@mmm.edu. Check out the calendar, Facebook, and the ‘What’s Happening at MMC’ tab for more events.
Asian American Heritage Month
Throughout May, MMC recognizes the contributions of Asian-Americans to the United States.
Black History Month
During the month of February, MMC recognizes the contributions of Black/African-Americans to the United States.
Latinx Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, MMC recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Latinx Americans to the US.
Native American Heritage Month
Pride Month
Trans Day of Rememb.
2019-20 Events:
DIY BOBA
Follow @MMCSDA on Instagram to learn how to make your own boba beverage! Comment your favorite boba order to enter into a raffle for a free DIY kit.
Book Giveaway
Follow @MMCSDA on Instagram for a book giveaway.
Virtual Lounge
This Virtual Lounge serves as a session for Griffins to share any lived experiences of racism during this health pandemic. We hope to create a brave space for discussion, processing, and connection.
Selfcare Skincare
Follow @MMCSDA on Instagram to learn more about skincare products and routines. Enter into a raffle to win a 10-step skincare kit!
The Love Language of Food
Food connects us and encompasses all other senses. In the APIDA community, food can serve as a love language between generations. MMC invites you to share your favorite recipes with us.
Celebrate APIDA Musicians
Music unites people from all over the world. From instrumentals to pop songs - we’re celebrating APIDA musicians today!
Past Events:
Taste of Culture: Vietnam
As part of MMC Week, the Campus Activities Board presented Taste of Culture: Vietnam where the MMC community enjoyed food, music, and games while celebrating Vietnamese culture.
Chartwells
Chartwells hosted an APIDA inspired meal at the Cafeteria.
Chinese Calligraphy Workshop
The Campus Activities Board hosted a workshop to learn about, and practice Chinese Calligraphy from the instructors at the Chinatown Florentine School of the Arts.
MOCA Trip
The Cultural Peer Mentors hosted a trip to the Museum of Chinese in America, followed by a dinner in Chinatown!
APIDA Identity and Success in the Workplace
MMC hosted a workshop that explored how APIDA identity shows up in how we navigate ideas of leadership and success in the workplace. How does the model minority myth impact professional experiences? This session focused on identity and professionalism.
“But You Don’t Look Asian” Roundtable
A short film and roundtable discussion on perceptions of Asian ethnicities.
BLSA APIDA Heritage Month Meeting
BLSA hosted a talk about how all three of these cultures intersect and appropriate one another.
Crazy Rich Asian Film Screening
MMC hosted a filming screening of the first major studio film that features an all Asian cast in 25 years!
APIDA Heritage Month
In honor of APIDA Heritage Month, SDA hosted a roundtable discussion on APIDA representation in the media. In partnership with the Theatre Department, we invited Baayork Lee, a recipient of the 2017 Isabelle Stevenson Lifetime Achievement Tony Award to speak followed by an audience Q&A.
The Slanted Screen
In honor of Asian-American Heritage Month, Cinemaniacs and SDA screened the documentary The Slanted Screen. Through interviews, voice-over narration, and a fascinating array of film and television clips, The Slanted Screen chronicles depictions of Asian American men and the culture that shapes them. The one-hour documentary presents film and television images from the turn of the century to the turn of the millennium. The Slanted Screen properly situates these images through historical narration, clips and photos.
Inclusion/Exclusion Exhibit Tour
A guided tour of the Chinese Inclusion/Exclusion exhibit was done at the New York Historical Society Museum. Chinese American: Exclusion/Inclusion explored the centuries-long history of trade and immigration between China and the United States—a history that involved New York from its very beginnings—and raised the question “What does it mean to be an American?” The exhibit narrative extended from the late eighteenth century to the present and included all regions of the country, thus interpreting the Chinese American saga as a key part of American history.
Asian American Heritage Reception
Origami has transformed from artistic paper folding to complex mathematical equations result in beautiful creations. The documentary “Between the Folds” showed us the incredible feats that can be accomplished with just simple sheet of paper, but don’t worry, you are not expected to be as good as these professionals
2019–20 Events
TRAP KARAOKE
TRAP Karaoke is all about cultural empowerment, community building, and fun safe spaces! Come out and let’s get lit - your host for the day is Danielle Hay ’20.
Drag Show 2020
This year’s drag show is themed for the Heartbreakers out there. Our performers will be bringing their very best and showcasing their best drag and lipsync for your enjoyment.
Black History Month Film Screening
Enjoy fresh pizza with this Black History Month film screening that is based on the inspirational life of an iconic American hero who is often called the Black Moses.
Storytelling Through Soul Food
Join Jacqueline Orange, the owner of Taste of Harlem Food Tour Inc., as she connects the history of soul food through storytelling. Participants are invited to share their own stories and enjoy a meal.
Day Trip to Washington D.C.
Join the Student Development and Activities team in a day trip to Washington, D.C to visit The National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The Black Experience: Idolized and Stigmatized
This trailblazing showcase will look at Black culture and Black history through the eyes of some of the media’s most prolific and iconic Black TV hosts. Tune in, because this is a show you won’t want to miss!
Black Notables by Science Society
Science Society has created a PowerPoint that will feature excellent black individuals who have made strides in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics. The purpose of these slides is to passively engage with the student body with facts about exceptional individuals. Specifically, individuals of prominence who are not household names. Be on the lookout for any televisions on campus to learn more about the exceptional predecessors in STEM!
2018–19 Events
Black History Month Opening Mixer
Members of the Student Activities Advisory Board (SAAB) welcome the Marymount Manhattan community to their opening mixer in honor of Black History Month, with special guest speaker Carl Lipscombe, a Bronx-born human rights defender and Deputy Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration.
Annual Drag Show
Campus Activites Board presents MMC’s Third Annual Drag Show! Join us on the fiercest night of the school year to find out who will be crowned MMC’s First Drag Superstar!
Storytelling Across Intersectionality
What does Black mean to you? The oral tradition of storytelling makes it possible for a culture to pass knowledge, history, and experiences. Come join and listen to featured tellers share their story.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Screening
Along with Science Society, Forty Percent, and BLSA, we will be screening The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks followed by a discussion on bioethics.
Mental Health and the Black Community
Discussion led by Dr. Neda Hajizadeh, former Director of MMC’s Counseling and Wellness Center, and guests on mental health and the Black community.
Overcoming Racial Biases in the Hunt for a Job
The Office of Career Services will be facilitating a workshop on overcoming racial biases while on the hunt for a job.
Coils and Curls
Open forum led by Assistant Director of Student and Community Engagement, Zakkiyya Taylor, on natural hair followed by a natural hair product swap.
The Black Experience: A Cultural Showcase
A holistic view of the Black experience through art.
Past Events
Black Comedy: No Tears, Just Politics
Comedian Grant Cooper performed an original set of politically engaged stand-up comedy. Following the comedy set, there was a presentation and analysis between Mr.Cooper and Dr.Lindsey Swindall about stand-up comedy as a vital space for political discussion.
Moonlight Screening
The event began with a discussion facilitated by Professor Judith Anderson (BMCC) about Black masculinity and how it is shaped/influenced by themes found in the film (sexuality, poverty, violence, role models, drugs, etc.). This will be followed by the film screening.
Selma Screening
A chronicle of Martin Luther King’s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. There were also movie snacks, a discussion about Selma, and what movements and changes are happening today.
ROAR: Exploring Women’s Creative, Healing, and Empowering Response to Violence
To further examine the forms of violence that women have endured, panelists from organizations within our communities explored the impacts violence has had on Black women. They highlighted and expanded upon the ways in which Black women use creative and empowering methods to heal from the violence they experienced throughout their lives.
2020–21 Events
Labor Rights, Political Activism, and Protests - Reflections from Civil Rights Icon, Dolores Huerta
Kicking off LatinX Heritage Month and the first session of the Fall Speakers Series, the Student Activities Advisory Board and Campus Activities Board presents a virtual lecture from Dolores Huerta.
Virtual Book Club – Afterlife by Julia Alvarez
Love to read? Join Student Development and Activities in our Virtual Book Club!
Symphony of LatinX Heritage
Student Activities Advisory Board and the Student Government Association invite you to experience Symphony of LatinX Heritage: Photography Exhibit. This event features student submissions.
Bro-Rito’s Food Truck
For all our students on campus, please stop by the front of Carson Hall to experience Bro-Rito’s Food Truck!
Virtual Bingo
Join the Student Activities Advisory Board in a fun Bingo afternoon! We will be playing a round of Bingo with customized Bingo cards featuring LatinX actors and popular movies/television shows.
Past Events
Taste of Latin America
The College celebrated the start of LatinX Heritage Month with samplings of street food, music, and fun!
Day of Puerto Rico
The Student Activities Advisory Board hosted an open discussion on the current climate of Puerto Rico. Together, we shared our concerns and hopes for the island.
Roundtable on Afro-LatinX Inclusion
The Black and LatinX Student Association (BLSA) hosted a roundtable discussion on the Afro-LatinX identity.
Chance to Dance
Campus Activities Board sponsored this night’s event featuring dance lessons, food, and a student showcase on LatinX art. Princess Serrano (Class of 2022) instructed Salsa On2 and Tatiana Valencia (Class of 2018) instructed Latin Fusion.
El Museo Del Barrio
New York’s leading LatinX cultural institution welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of LatinX, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures. Cultural Peer Mentors led a group of students to explore El Museo together!
Dia de los Muertos
BLSA honored the annual Dia de los Muertos with an ofrenda to remember the dead. In tandem with this event, BLSA hosted a Coco(a) film screening.
LatinX Heritage Month Celebration
We brought in Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, who was born and raised in Lower Manhattan by a single mother who emigrated from Puerto Rico to New York and has worked for decades as a civil-servant. There was also a spoken word piece performed by one of our own MMC students as well as appetizers catered by Upper East Side’s Empanada Mama.
Reading Hour - Books by LatinX Authors
The College enjoyed an hour of reading books authored by LatinX writers! Books were available to be taken home
Photo Gallery
Gallery viewing of “Latinos Break the Mold” and students shared what being LatinX meant to them.
Promesa Puerto Rico
Sponsored by the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, Student Development and Activities, and BLSA, we invited Natasha Lycia, Ora Bannan, and Howard Jordan for a panel discussion on the Statehood, Economic Crisis, and the Future of La Isla del Encanto.
Salsa Dancing and Dinner
For this event, the Black and Latina Student Association and Student Development and Activities teamed up with the Caribbean Cultural Center and African Diaspora Institute to bring students a Salsa Dancing workshop complete with a history lesson and free food.
2020-21 Events
We Are Still Here: How First Nations Survived Pandemics and Other Catastrophes
“We Are Still Here: How First Nations Survived Pandemics and Other Catastrophes” is an examination of how Native Peoples throughout the Western Hemisphere overcame epidemics, land theft, forced relocation and the violent attempt to assimilate them through the boarding school system.
Language Appropriation
@MMCSDA on Instagram explores words that have roots in Native American Culture
Sustain MMC: Indigenous Recipes
@SUSTAINMMC on Instagram talks about sustainability in indigenous food, farming, and agriculture.
The Magick Circle: Spiritual Appropriation
@THE.MAGIC.CIRCLE on Instagram teaches about spiritual appropriation in the forms of burning sage and the art of smudging.
Past Events
Keynote Reception
MMC hosted a Keynote Reception with speaker Oleana. Oleana is a valued advocate of the Lenape community. A Tsalagi-Algonquian descendant, Oleana is a member of the American Indian Community House and Museum Guide/Educator/Curator/Native American Outreach Liaison.
SELF EXPLORE NYC SERIES
MMC highlighted various New York City installations, events, and institutions happening in NYC in honor of Native American Heritage Month such as Urban Indian: Native New York Now, Native Sounds Downtown featuring Pamyua, Lenape Harvest in Inwood, and Farmhouse Family Day: Native Storytelling Today
Museum Tour of the National Museum of the American Indian
MMC joined Museum Ambassador, Rhonda Asher for a 1-hour tour of Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indian.
Chartwells Native American Cuisine
Chartwells celebrated Native American Heritage Month by serving traditional Native American cuisine.
Smoke Signals Film Screening
The Office of Student Development and Activities and Cinemaniacs hosted a film screening of Smoke Signals.
First United Lenape Nations Pow Wow and Standing Ground Symposium
MMC sponsored tickets for a day of Native art, food, dance competitions, and special performances in addition to a symposium that explores Indigenous culture with Inuit (Inuk) experimental vocalist and artist Tanya Tagaq and fellow artists, writers, scholars, performers, and community leaders.
Native American Heritage Month Celebration
Students could try traditional Native American fry bread and three sisters salad while learning about Native American two spirits.
2020-21 Events
A Master Class with MJ Rodriguez
Join us for October’s Fall Speaker Series, A Master Class with MJ Rodriguez! In honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, we invite MJ Rodriguez to Marymount Manhattan College to share her career journey, to discuss Trans rights, and how she uses her platform to fight for visibility.
Pride Trivia Night: General LGBTQ+ History & Drag Queen Dictionary
How well do you know your Drag Queen vocabulary? How about general LGBTQ+ History? Join the Student Activities Advisory Board and Christopher Street Tours for a night of fun virtual trivia!
Virtual Book Club
Love to read? Join Student Development and Activities in our Virtual Book Club! In her most revealing and powerful memoir yet, the activist, speaker, bestselling author, and “patron saint of female empowerment” (People) explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us.
LGBTQ+ Snack Week
On-campus this semester? Visit some local LGBTQ+ owned businesses with us!
LGBTQIA+ Flag Trivia
Join the Campus Activities Board to play trivia based on the various flags in the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The winner will receive a prize!
Harlem Renaissance and LGBTQ+ Leaders
Watch out for this video premier on MMC Engage! Learn about the cultural importance of the Harlem Renaissance and the voices of Black LGBTQ+ leaders during this time period.
Past Events
National Coming Out Day Roundtable
Students were invited to join GSS (Gender and Sexuality Studies) and SDA (the Office of Student Development and Activities) at the National Coming Out Day roundtable. Here, GSS shared key tips and information on how to support your friends with their decision to come out.
New York Historical Society Exhibit Stonewall 50
Students were invited to join on an excursion to Stonewall50 at New York Historical Society which featured two exhibitions and a special installation.
Safe Zone
Safe Zone is a program designed to visibly identify students, staff, and faculty members who support the LGBTQ population, understand some of the issues facing LGBTQ individuals and are made aware of the resources that MMC and NYC offer.
MMC’s Pride Day
Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, the MMC community was invited to share their Pride with MMC!
National Coming Out Day Roundtable
Students were invited to join GSS (Gender and Sexuality Studies) and SDA (the Office of Student Development and Activities) at the National Coming Out Day roundtable. Here, GSS shared key tips and information on how to support your friends with their decision to come out.
Trans Awareness Week
Students were invited to join GSS and SDA at their information table to pick up advice for trans* people, questioning people, and allies. Additionally, students were welcomed to wear a ribbon for Trans Day of Remembrance.
Trans Day of Remembrance
On this day, we remember and honor transgender people around the world whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence.
2019-20 Events
Vote By Absentee Ballot - Register In Your State
Hosted by the Student Government Association, this tabling event allows participants who wish to register to vote outside of New York State to do so, and vote by absentee ballots.
New York State Voters Registration
Do you have questions about voting in the General Elections or voting in New York State? Then join the Student Government Association and the New York Finance Board for a New York State Voters Registration Drive!
International Women’s Day
Join the Cultural Peer Mentors at this tabling event to learn more about influencing figures around the world and pick up some treats!
Self Defense Workshop
Brought to you by SGA, CAB, and SAAB! Taught by R.A.D Certified Michelle Quock.
Wonder Women
Marymount Manhattan College’s Science Society presents
Wonder Women
, a panel featuring diverse women with doctorate degrees across fields, including medicine, dentistry, and neuroscience.
Name a Woman! Game Night
The Bedford Hills Club will host a fun event that will include a trivia game about inspirational women, exhibit posters of important suffragettes, as well as hold a ballot. The trivia game will test attendees’ knowledge on famous and inspirational women.
Second Annual Women Empowerment Lunch
The Student Activities Advisory Board would like to present the second annual Women Empowerment Lunch. Following the lunch will be a panel moderated by Ta’Lor Mosley featuring Dr. Lauren Brown, Alexis Garcia ’18, and Deja Foxx.
Past Events
Becoming SHEroes: Women and the Important Role They Play in Society
MMC opened Women’s Herstory Month with a reception. Our keynote speaker was Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal who serves as the Chair of the Committee on Women.
Women in Publishing
During this one-day workshop, students were able to hear from women leaders across the publishing industry. They shared their experiences in this fast-paced and rapidly changing field. In addition to presentations and panel discussions, the day provided numerous opportunities for informal conversation and networking.
Becoming Visible: International Women’s Day
Student Development and Activities and the Cultural Peer Mentors celebrated incredible women all over the world for International Women’s Day. We encouraged wearing purple for the day in solidarity!
Becoming A Boss: Women, Wages, and Work
From the concrete wall, to the glass ceiling, to the labyrinth… This program focused on women in the workplace, some of the intricacies of the current state of inequity along the gender binary, and learning how to ask for a raise, like a boss! Specifically, this session shared what MMC students can expect once they graduate, how they can better negotiate salaries before accepting a position, and so much more!
Becoming Mothers
Jacqueline Leon ’22 moderated a panel discussion focusing on mothering and motherhood. Panelists included MMC faculty members Dr. Nava Silton, Dr. Laura Tropp, and Gunjali Trikha, MBA, and MMC staff Kanny Rodriguez.
Becoming Her: Women Empowerment Lunch
MMC hosted a closing luncheon moderated by Ta’Lor Mosley ’21, focused on how women can empower each other. Panelists included President Kerry Walk, Professor Lorraine Martinez-Novoa, and Regional Director Dayana Bernavil.
Screening of Seeing Allred
The Office of Student Development and Activities held a documentary screening of Seeing Allred which follows women’s rights attorney, Gloria Allred, as she takes on the biggest names in American culture as coverage of sexual assault allegations become more prevalent in the media.
Reading Hour - Books by Women of Color
Students enjoyed an hour of reading books authored by women of color. Books were also available to be taken home.
Show Me What Your Feminism Looks Like
Each one of us - with women, men, and non-binary people joining forces - can be a leader within our own spheres of influence by taking bold pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity.
Women in Religion
Muslim Student Association (MSA), Hillel, and Marymount Christian Fellowship (MCF), came together to discuss the unique experiences women have with religion. Women have always played an important and powerful role in religion, however many of us still view religion as an oppressive force used to keep women under control. This event was created to challenge that concept and show many ways in which women are empowered by their faiths.Topics of discussion ranged from inspirational women in different religions to challenging myths about religious practices that impact women. Some club members shared their experiences and encouraged other students/staff/faculty to share theirs as well.
He Named Me Malala Documentary Screening
Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSOC) and Student Development and Activities (SDA) presented the documentary He Named Me Malala. This documentary showcases the life Malala Yousafzai.
Women’s History Month Jeopardy
In honor of Women’s History Month, SDA created Women’s History Jeopardy! Students tested their knowledge about the contributions women have made throughout history and maybe learned something new!
The Color Purple
SGA and SDA a cosponsored this film screening in honor of Women’s History Month. This film, starring Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover, explores the experience of a black southern woman trying to find her identity after struggling years of abuse from her father and others.
In Honor of Women
Students were encouraged to wear purple; the official color of International Women’s month. Students could come and share a poem, story, film, photograph, or artwork that represented women empowerment. Students were able to write down what it meant to them to be a woman, create gender collages using provided art supplies, partake in a photo shoot,or/and also have the option to write a letter to any inspirational, influential or women role models. There was also a discussion on Women’s history. This event was open to all gender identities and was intentionally Trans* and Genderqueer/gender non-conforming inclusive.