Writing the Next Chapter: Together…We Rise!
Black History Month is not just about reflection—it is about recognition, truth, and the responsibility to shape what comes next. For too long, Black history has been sanitized, rewritten, or erased altogether. But history lives in the people who continue to push forward, defy limits, and build futures that were once unimaginable.
At Metropolitan College of New York, we honor Black history not as a distant past but as a living force—one that speaks to endurance, resistance, and resilience. Our founders, our leaders, our alumni, and our students all represent the power of history—then, now, and in the making. They remind us that recognition is not about comfort; it is an act of defiance, a refusal to be silenced, and a commitment to truth.
But honoring history alone is not enough. We must claim, preserve, and celebrate the Black future.
At a time when equity and justice are under attack—when books are banned, history is distorted, and opportunity is denied—we must ask ourselves, “What comes next?” The answer is found in education, advocacy, and action. It lies in challenging systemic injustice—whether in education, wealth, or healthcare. It is in ensuring that future generations, including our children and grandchildren, inherit a world that values their brilliance and potential rather than diminishes their contributions.
MCNY’s mission has always been about Purpose-Centered Education—learning that transforms lives and communities while elevating and amplifying the connection between theory and practice. In that spirit, we celebrate the Black future because, every single day, we are writing the next chapter. We are the authors of what comes next.
So, this Black History Month, let us not only reflect—let’s build, inspire, and reclaim. Because the Black future is not just ahead of us—it is happening now. And Black History Month is every day, 365 days a year.
Let’s celebrate the Black future!
Together…We Rise!
Dr. Charles J. Gibbs
President
Metropolitan College of New York
