February 20, 2026 FacebookInstagram
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)

News

United Nations

BMCC Hosts High-Level Discussion on Future of United Nations

BMCC hosted a high-level discussion on the future of the United Nations during a period of geopolitical strain and institutional uncertainty on February 11 in Theatre 2 at 199 Chambers Street. The event brought together current permanent representatives and former senior U.N. officials for a conversation on global governance and diplomacy. The event was presented through a partnership between BMCC’s Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training and Network 20/20, an international community that connects leaders from the private sector and foreign policy arenas. Participants included Greece’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aglaia Balta; former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations for management and reform Chris Lu; Guyana’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett; and moderator Dr. Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu, clinical professor and director of the United Nations Specialization at the Center for Global Affairs at New York University’s School of Professional Studies.


Jesse Jackson

President Munroe’s Statement on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson

In a message to the College community, BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe said "during African Heritage Month, as we honor the triumphs, struggles, and contributions of people of African descent, we also mourn the loss of one of its most luminous voices—Reverend Jesse Jackson. The news of his passing on February 17 has reverberated around the world. For many of us, Reverend Jackson’s life has been a roadmap—showing how to walk toward justice, uplift our communities, and imagine a world in which the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice is not a distant hope but a lived practice." Read the full message here.


Club Fair

More than 600 Students Pack OSA Club Fair to Get Involved on Campus

More than 600 students attended the BMCC Office of Student Activities (OSA) Club Fair on February 11 in the gymnasium at 199 Chambers Street. Students met with representatives from more than 40 student clubs during the event. “Students are able to join clubs and become members on the spot,” said Isa Mitchell, OSA assistant director of student activities and engagement. “Clubs are essential to the campus community because they provide a space for students to feel welcome and foster a sense of belonging.”


Smith

Paramedic Professor Brandon Smith Honored as Black History Month Changemaker

BMCC Paramedic Program Professor Brandon Smith was officially recognized with a “Black History Month Changemaker” award by Congressman Mike Lawler during a February 6 ceremony at Dominican University. Lawler cited Smith’s unwavering dedication, leadership and contributions to education and community safety in Rockland County. Professor Smith said receiving the proclamation meant a great deal to him. “This is testament that, despite oddities, glass ceilings and covertly being told to stay in your place, anything is possible,” said Professor Smith. “I want this citation to be a message to little Black and Brown children around the world that nothing, and especially no human, should ever stand in your way of achieving your highest goals, and any notoriety that comes with it.” Smith emphasized the critical role of paramedic programs in today’s society. “Pre-hospital medicine is, at times, literally the difference between life and death,” he said. “Medicine and science are changing, and the Paramedic Program staff at BMCC are tasked with facilitating and advancing the education and training required to meet these changes.”


BMCC President and Student Leaders

BMCC President and Student Leaders Meet with State and Local Elected Officials During Caucus Week in Albany

BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, members of the BMCC Student Government Association and BMCC Director of Government Relations Doug Israel met with a number of state and city elected officials in Albany on February 14 as part of Caucus Weekend. During a conference hosted by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislators, President Munroe and the BMCC delegation shared their perspectives on higher education and continued investment in CUNY. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie welcomed the group and the BMCC contingent met with Assemblymembers Grace Lee and Catalina Cruz as well as New York City’s new comptroller Mark Levine. “Caucus weekend is always a great opportunity for us to connect with our legislators and let them hear about the important the work we do at BMCC,” said Mr. Israel. “I was really impressed by how passionate and professional our students were as they shared their stories and spoke about the value of BMCC and CUNY to their college and career goals.”


Acosta

Ethnic and Race Studies Professor Lissette Acosta Corniel Featured Speaker at CSI Event

Ethnic and Race Studies Professor Lissette Acosta Corniel was the featured speaker at “A Dialogue on Slavery of Black Africans in Spain and the Spanish Caribbean,” event hosted by the  College of Staten Island’s Latin American, Caribbean & Latina/o Studies Program (LACLS) on February 10. Dr. Acosta Corniel’s talk focused on the transatlantic systems of bondage that shaped Spain and the Spanish Caribbean, with particular attention to the lived experiences of enslaved Africans and their descendants. She is the editor of Transatlantic Bondage: Slavery and Freedom in Spain, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Rico (SUNY Press), a work that examines slavery, resistance, and freedom across imperial and cultural boundaries.

Making Headlines

BMCC included in new federal funding secured by Senators and Congressmen

February 18—CUNY News

Did You Know?

Chinatown

The Chinatown Lunar New Year parade and festival take place just blocks from BMCC on March 1 starting at 1 PM starting a Mott Street to Chatham Square.

Announcements

Campus Conversation

Campus Conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones and President Anthony E. Munroe

Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and creator of The 1619 Project—will join BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe for a special campus conversation on race, history, democracy, and justice on February 26 in Theatre 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The program will offer a rare opportunity for learning, reflection, and dialogue for students, faculty, staff, and community members. A reception will follow in Richard Harris Terrace.


Black Queer Futures

Black Queer Futures Online Film Festival Through February 28

BMCC’s Center for Belonging and Inclusion, through its Reel Queer Film Series, has partnered with Queer Voices NYC to present Black Queer Futures, an online platform showcasing LGBTQIA+ filmmakers of color and documentaries centered on Black queer lives. Held in commemoration of BMCC’s Afrikan Heritage Month, the series will provide participants access to five films from the PBS POV catalog, available for on-demand viewing February 18–28: Pier Kids, A Mother Apart, Who I Am Not, Jardines and MNM. Admission is free, but participants should RSVP to reserve tickets. The festival will include an online talkback panel on February 25 featuring Ethnic and Race Studies Professors Dr. RaShelle Peck and Dr. Marci Littlefield, who will co-moderate a discussion with the participating filmmakers.
Zoom Link: us06web.zoom.us/j/81552432047


Jamaica Film Showcase

BMCC Hosts Jamaica Film Showcase February 20 and 21 at TPAC

BMCC will host the Jamaica Film Showcase on February 20 and 21at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center at 199 Chambers Street. The staging of the Jamaica Film Showcase is a collaboration of the Consulate General of Jamaica at New York, the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA). The showcase includes Jamaican shorts, features, and documentaries highlighting powerful drama, culture, and authentic storytelling from Jamaica. Held in February as part of Reggae Month, the event honors Jamaica’s rich storytelling tradition on screen.  Tickets to the event are free and available at this link.


On Campus Immigration Services Available at ARC

The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) has partnered with CUNY Citizenship Now! to bring high-quality, confidential immigration law services to currently enrolled BMCC students. Immigration attorneys are available on-site in the ARC office once a month. Consultations are by appointment only. Please note, students must be currently enrolled and attending classes at BMCC to access ARC services. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. Contact ARC at (212) 220-8195 or email ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu.


Help with Enrolling in Health Insurance

The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center has partnered with several Health Insurance companies to assist currently registered students to enroll in health insurance. Please email ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu for more information or to request an appointment.


Free Tax Preparation Services Available

The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) is providing free tax preparation resources this tax season. To find out more, click here.


Cafe

Spring 2026 Cafeteria Hours

MBJ Food Services has posted the Spring 2026 Cafeteria Hours.

199 Chambers Street Cafeteria
Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fridays: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Fiterman Cafe
Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enrollment

Open House

Join us at the Admissions Spring 2026 Open House - March 17

The Admissions staff is calling all future BMCC Panthers to step onto the main campus of 199 Chambers St. for a college experience at the Spring Open House on Tuesday, March 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. Prospective students and their families are welcome for a night full of activities, including a tour of our vibrant campus, information about financial aid and resources, support programs, and the opportunity to engage with our dynamic faculty to discuss potential majors and career paths. Faculty are invited to participate in the open house. This is a great opportunity to highlight your academic program and generate interest in enrollment. For more info, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265 or admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu. Learn more.

Human Resources

Annual Compliance Training Available Online

We are pleased to announce the launch of CUNY’s 2025–2026 annual compliance training program. All employees are required to complete their assigned trainings in Brightspace, the University’s new learning management system. This is the first year compliance trainings are being offered through Brightspace. We encourage all employees to log in and complete the required courses as soon as possible.

Required Trainings:

  • ESPARC: Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course
  • WVP: Workplace Violence Prevention Training
  • GBVT: Gender-Based Violence Training (Required for HR professionals and employees who supervise at least one direct report)

Deadlines:

  • Full-time employees must complete all assigned trainings by May 29, 2026.
  • Part-time employees, including adjuncts, must complete their trainings by May 29, 2026, or by the end of their employment for the semester, whichever comes first.
  • Employees who become inactive in CUNYfirst will lose access to the trainings.

How to Access Your Trainings:
You have been automatically enrolled in your required compliance courses.
To get started:

  1. Log in to Brightspace
  2. Go to the "Compliance" section under My Courses

New employees will gain access the day after their CUNYfirst record becomes active.

Resources and Supports:

  • Employee Navigation Guide
  • Compliance Training FAQs
  • Need help? Contact your campus compliance administrator.

Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all members of the CUNY community.

Sports and Wellness

Basketball

BMCC Men’s Basketball Team win over Ulster County Community College

February 7


Panthers

Follow the Panthers

The BMCC athletic program leads eight varsity teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level. For more news on the Panthers, visit the official site of BMCC Athletics and follow the Panthers on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. 

Calendar

Jane Young Spring 2026 Film Series: Greed, a film retrospective

February 22


Spring 2026 Super Fair

February 23


Counseling Center’s Yoga Class

Tuesdays starting February 10

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Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.

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(212) 346-8501
The City University of New York