Black History Month

Empowering Current and Future Generations

Explore the past and current programs and opportunities that recognize our colleagues and community.

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Award-winning Construction Diversity

Columbia has construction goals that at least 35 percent of all construction dollars be spent with minority-, women-, and locally-owned (MWL) firms, and at least 40 percent of hours worked be performed by MWL workers

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Celebrating Culture Through Cuisine

Columbia Dining team members prepare cherished family recipes to celebrate Black history and culture with the Columbia community

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CU Grow Takes Businesses to the Next Level

The CU Grow Vendor Development Program helps minority-, women-, and locally-owned (MWL) firms expand their portfolio of business and contracts with large clients

A mural on a wall dedicated to Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X
Honoring Local Activists and Black History

Columbia offered space on one of its buildings to local community members for the creation of a mural remembering Harlem activists Malcolm X and Yuri Kochiyama

A group of people stand together with a blue Columbia University backdrop behind them
Mentorship Program Prepares Firms to Complete Larger Projects

Over the course of six years, the MWL Construction Trade Certificate/Mentorship Program graduated 78 firms, creating a pipeline of qualified MWL businesses capable of successfully performing work for large institutions and government agencies

A group of graduates in blue hats and gowns cheer on the steps of Uris Hall
Pre-Apprenticeship Program Opens Doors for Local Residents

Facilities and Operations partnered with Pathways to Apprenticeship (P2A) to offer a pre-apprenticeship program for minorities, women and Upper Manhattan residents

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Promoting Local Vendors at the Harlem Buyers Fair

Columbia Dining hosted the Harlem Buyer Fair which helps connect local vendors with interested buyers from Whole Foods, FreshDirect, Columbia Dining and other corporations nationwide

A window cleaner is washing a large building window.
Providing Opportunities to MBEs as a Partner in Regional Business Development Program

Facilities and Operations is a Founding Regional Opportunity Partner for the Ascend Regional Program: NY | NJ | LI, a business development program aimed at directing new opportunities to Minority Business Enterprises.

Bottles of Sylvia's hot sauce and BBQ sauce
Supporting Entrepreneurs Through the Harlem Local Vendors Program

Facilities and Operations is a member of the Harlem Local Vendor Program, designed to support Harlem food and product entrepreneurs, and carries products from several participants at its dining locations

More Community Initiatives

Spotlight

Highlights of the accomplishments of our colleagues

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Mahogany Jones, Pre-Apprenticeship Alum

Mahogany Jones found a job at Columbia's Manhattanville construction site after completing the pre-apprenticeship program offered by Facilities and Operations in partnership with P2A

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NiLu, Harlem Local Vendors Program Alum

In partnership with the Harlem Local Vendors Program, NiLu, a retailer that sells goods from local artists, was invited to participate in the Columbia bookstore’s first ever holiday market event

Tanya Pope is speaking at an event
Tanya Pope, Columbia Construction Business Initiatives

Facilities and Operations' Tanya Pope was recognized as one of Crain’s New York Business's 2022 Notable Black Leaders for sourcing diverse vendors for Columbia, and leading programs for MWL firms and residents, including the CU Grow Vendor Program

A person shakes another person's hand in a dark blue room.
Think Wilder Architecture, CU Grow Alum

CU Grow helped Think Wilder Architecture flourish, and connected him with a former CU Grow coach and licensed real estate broker to find new office space in Harlem

Construction worker Valerie Adams using a power drill while working with wood.
Valerie Adams, Carpenter at the Manhattanville Campus

Columbia's construction diversity initiatives led to Valerie Adams getting hired as a carpenter at the Manhattanville campus to help build the Jerome L. Greene Science Center and Lenfest Center for the Arts

Profile photo of Aaron Weaver outdoors with buildings in the background
https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2021/05/the-2021-real-estateconstruction-40-under-40/182880/#:~:text=Promotion%20of%20Women.-,AARON%20WEAVER,-Real%20Estate%20Associate
Aaron Weaver, Real Estate

Facilities and Operations' Aaron Weaver was recognized as one of City & State New York's 2021 Real Estate/Construction 40 Under 40 for helping support small businesses within Columbia's retail portfolio

Columbia Celebrates Black History and Culture

10 different black Columbians who have made a difference in the world, including Barack Obama, Neal Degrasse Tyson, and Nora Zeale Hurston

Columbia has a wealth of online resources detailing the breadth of the African American experience.

Learn more about some of the great Columbians who have played key roles in our local and national history.

Remembering Max Bond

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The late Max Bond was known as the most influential African-American architect in New York City and was a partner in the Davis Brody Bond firm. 

Bond said, “… I look forward to my role in helping to shape this area of West Harlem. For more than two decades, people have tried to develop this area, I feel fortunate to be part of the team that will create the campus of the future—one that welcomes the community, meets the needs of a great university like Columbia, and contribute to the future of New York City.”

He passed away in 2009, but his early contributions to the development of Columbia's Manhattanville campus provided a legacy upon which others could build.

Other University Resources

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A Walking Tour of Harlem
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Discover Columbia's Manhattanville Campus
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Shop Harlem Made
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Community Resources