Social Justice Teach-In

The Social Justice Teach-In will be a full-day event. During the morning and afternoon, students, staff, faculty and community members can choose from over 50 breakout sessions ranging from workshops, readings, performances, discussions and presentations on a diverse range of issues related to social justice. 

During lunchtime, there will be food truck vendors to buy lunch and beverages. 

We will cap off the day with a keynote presentation. Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to attend various sessions throughout the day. A virtual track will also be available. 

Activist, and former SUNY Old Westbury professor, Carlos Russell created Black Solidarity Day in 1969. He was inspired by Douglas Turner Ward’s play, “Day of Absence.” The plot focuses on a fictional town where the Black residents suddenly disappear, resulting in the White residents realizing how much of their lives rely on Black labor. As part of this annual day, and to highlight their contributions to society, Black people were encouraged not to work and not to shop as a form of economic protest. Instead, they were encouraged to engage in educating and enlightening their communities (Price, 2018). Since 1969, members of college campuses have recognized Black Solidarity Day by convening panel discussions, educational workshops, rallies and other culturally enlightening forums. 

In recognition of Black Solidarity Day, SUNY Plattsburgh hosts a social justice teach-in featuring programming for the Plattsburgh community. A teach-in is an organized event, typically hosted on a university campus, focused on raising awareness and developing knowledge to address inequities and social justice. The overarching goal is to support the educational empowerment of students, staff, faculty and community members who participate in the day, and to honor the diverse voices of those who contribute to our community. A social justice teach-in aligns with Dr. Russell’s vision for Black Solidarity Day to engage in educational empowerment and which aligns with our commitment to inclusion, equity, belonging and justice for all. 

Learn more about the origins of Black Solidarity Day