Schomburg Center Celebrates 100 Years with Centennial Festival in Harlem

On June 14, 2025, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture commemorated its 100th anniversary with a vibrant Centennial Festival in Harlem, New York. The event merged the Center's annual Black Comic Book Festival and Literary Festival into a day-long celebration, featuring readings, panel discussions, workshops, children's story times, cosplay, and a vendor marketplace. The festivities concluded with a community block party, including live performances by DJ D-Nice and Slick Rick.

Established in 1925 during the Harlem Renaissance, the Schomburg Center has evolved into a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Black history and culture. Its extensive collection encompasses over 11 million items, including literature, art, recordings, and rare documents. Notable holdings feature manuscripts from luminaries such as Maya Angelou and Malcolm X, as well as the visitor register from its 1925 opening, signed by figures like Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes.

The Centennial Festival aimed to honor this rich legacy and engage the community through diverse cultural programming. The event was part of a year-long series of celebrations, including the exhibition "100: A Century of Collections, Community, and Creativity," which opened on May 8, 2025. This exhibition showcases significant artifacts from the Center's history, offering visitors a comprehensive view of its century-long journey.

The festival's programming featured prominent authors and artists, including Raquel Willis, Wyatt Cenac, Roxane Gay, Kiese Laymon, Imani Perry, Damon Young, Alejandro Heredia, Mahogany Browne, Glory Edim, Katie Mitchell, Tricia Hersey, David Crownson, and Vinson Cunningham. The event also included the return of The Very Black Cosplay Showcase and children's programming such as the Woke Baby Festival and the Jump Up Jamboree, aiming to inspire young readers with storytelling, live music, crafts, and book signings.

"For a century, the Schomburg Center has occupied an important role in the intellectual and creative life of Harlem," said Novella Ford, Associate Director of Public Programs and Exhibitions at the Schomburg Center. "The festival is a moment to celebrate our legacy while continuing to nurture Black creativity and center work that values Black history and culture."

The Schomburg Center's centennial celebrations underscore its enduring role as a custodian of Black cultural heritage and a beacon for community engagement. By merging traditional festivals and introducing new programming, the Center continues to adapt to contemporary cultural expressions while honoring its historical roots. The inclusion of diverse voices and interactive events reflects a commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture among broader audiences.

The Schomburg Center's Centennial Festival not only celebrated a century of preserving Black culture but also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging the community and inspiring future generations. As the Center embarks on its next century, it continues to serve as a vital institution dedicated to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.