The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new exhibition and public programming, while supporters highlight concerns over threats to public funding for cultural institutions.
The Harlem-based center, part of the New York Public Library, launched a centennial exhibition titled A Century of Collections, Community, and Creativity, featuring historical books and photographs. Commemorative efforts also include a children’s book giveaway and a special edition New York Public Library card for residents.
Founded in 1925 during the Harlem Renaissance, the center was originally known as The Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints. It became a resource for African diasporic history after Arturo Schomburg sold his personal collection of over 10,000 items to the NYPL in 1926. The center was renamed in his honor in 1972.
As federal efforts threaten funding for DEI programs and institutions like the Institute of Museum and Library Services, public figures have spoken in support of the Schomburg. “To reach the next 100 years, we must redouble our commitment to preserving Black culture,” said LeVar Burton. Actress Kara Young, who grew up in Harlem, added that preserving Black history is “an act of love and resistance.”
