The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the largest research collections dedicated to Black history globally. It houses over 11 million items and is known for its vibrant artwork and films of the African diaspora. Celebrating its centennial, the center reflects on empowering Black voices while facing funding challenges. The history of the center began with Afro-Latino bibliophile Arturo Schomburg selling his collection to the NYPL in 1926. Events marking the centennial united diverse communities in celebration and cultural exchange.
The New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture memorialized its centennial this year, a testament to the temple of Black history that houses over 11 million items throughout its storied reading rooms.
The moment that the famed Afro-Latino bibliophile Arturo Schomburg sold his collection of books, manuscripts and artifacts to the NYPL's nascent Division of Negro Literature, History, and Prints May 26, 1926 is etched into the history of New York's libraries.
The archive is a living thing because it continues to expand - the archive is in conversation with itself, K.C. Matthews, the center's deputy director of operations and external engagement said.
The 100-year celebration kicked off on May 8 - the day the original NYPL division launched in 1925 - with a series of literary and cultural events that united writers, researchers, former Schomburg directors, journalists and artists.
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