Event Featured Notable Guests Letitia James, L. Joy Williams, Vanessa L. Gibson, Lurie Daniel-Favors, Alphonso David and Ny Whitaker to Kick Off Black History Month
New York, N.Y. (February 6, 2026) – Guttman Community College (part of the City University of New York), NAACP New York State Conference and NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch welcomed esteemed guests to the CUNY Graduate Center on February 5. In celebration of Black History Month, the event included featured speakers Letitia James, New York State attorney general, and Alphonso David, Global Black Economic Forum CEO, along with guest panelists L. Joy Williams, NAACP New York State Conference president, Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx borough president, and Lurie Daniel-Favors, Center for Law & Social Justice executive director.
Moderator Ny Whitaker, former White House senior advisor, led a timely discussion addressing how Black communities can reclaim their political power, advocate for equity in education and take actionable steps to preserve Black history and increase visibility in leadership.
“Let us honor Black History Month not only with celebration, but with commitment. Stay engaged, remain informed, and participate fully in the democratic process, because the future of our communities depends on it,” said Guttman’s Interim President Elizabeth de León Bhargava.
Attorney General James provided remarks on the challenges to voting rights and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as well as how communities can fight these obstacles. Panelists expanded on these topics, exploring the ways in which cultural awareness, collective action and influence on the political landscape can shape the future of Black communities in the 2026 election year and beyond. A Q&A session provided an opportunity for audience members to participate in the meaningful discussion.
“As we approach another consequential election, being ‘unapologetically Black’ means asserting our voice and organizing our political power at every level of government. I am honored to join this powerful panel of my sisters in justice as we empower our community to reclaim its narrative and mobilize for a 2026 that reflects our collective strength and unapologetic presence,” said President Williams.
“The event aimed to educate, empower and mobilize audiences to protect their rights, vote unapologetically and amplify their voices,” said Guttman’s Senior Advisor for Partnerships, Alumni Engagement and Development Robert Pagan.
Key takeaways from the panel included: highlighting the significance of Black leadership in political and cultural spaces and how visibility can drive systemic change; ensuring the preservation of Black history; advancing voting rights and resisting rollbacks in DEI initiatives; and encouraging active participation in the 2026 elections, especially among younger voters, students, alumni and community activists.
Attendees comprised of CUNY vice chancellors and leadership, elected officials, NAACP leaders and members, in addition to Guttman Community College leadership, students, faculty, staff and The Stella and Charles Guttman Community College Foundation board chair and members.