Schomburg Center Marks 100 Years of Black Culture Celebration

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is celebrating its 100th anniversary, continuing the legacy of its founder, Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. Schomburg, who grew up in Puerto Rico and was told that Black people had no significant history, dedicated his life to collecting art, books, and artifacts that documented the African diaspora's achievements. He settled in New York at 17 and used his extensive collections to write articles for periodicals like Negro World, establishing himself as a prominent historian and intellectual during the Harlem Renaissance.

Barrye Brown, curator of manuscripts, archives, and rare books at the Schomburg Center, highlighted Schomburg's expansive vision. "Schomburg always sought to collect the global Black experience," Brown stated. The center's collections reflect this global perspective, encompassing the multilingual and diverse experiences of people of African descent worldwide. This commitment to preserving the breadth of the African diaspora's history and culture remains central to the institution's mission.

Founded on Schomburg's personal collection, the Harlem-based institution has grown into a vital resource for understanding and celebrating Black history. Its centennial marks a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to provide a counter-narrative to historical omissions and to champion the rich contributions of Black people across the globe. The center's work ensures that these histories are accessible and recognized for future generations.