Seton Hall Sponsors Newark Museum of Art's "Art After Dark: College Night" Event

To celebrate Black History Month and encourage community partnerships, Seton Hall members participated in the Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) event "Art After Dark: College Night" on February 1. Seton Hall team members who participated included Ghana Hylton, director of Campus Inclusion & Business Affairs, Jamila Savage ,Newark Gateway Center coordinator, Victor Gomez, eSports manager, Kayla Strube, project coordinator at the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall Law, and Gregory Gamble, associate director, Career Services at Seton Hall Law.

The NMOA mixer event featured DJ Billlz Egypt and community organizer Anya Dillard, who shared the importance of celebrating Black History Month and equity in higher education. Darryl Dwayne Walker, manager of Community Engagement at NMOA, emceed the event, which had approximately 90 attendees.

In addition to information sharing and networking, the event provided opportunities for community members to win prizes, play games, and enjoy local restaurants like PJ's at the NMOA, Uncle Willie's Wings and A.S.H. Bar & Grill while shopping local vendors like BrownMill, CurateDope, Ace of Hearts and Plantivia.

The partnership with Seton Hall and NMOA aligns closely with Goal four of the University's Strategic Plan, which aims to educate and empower community members to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice on campus and in the wider world. This goal is further advanced through intentional partnerships and collaborations with local communities, including South Orange/Maplewood, Newark and Nutley/Clifton.  

Director Ghana Hylton expressed the importance of fostering community partnerships, "I take great pride in Seton Hall University's involvement in an intersectional way. We celebrated Newark, art, diversity, student engagement and community building with one electric partnership. It felt amazing to be a part of such a vibrant evening."

Associate Director Gregory Gamble explained Newark's significance: "The event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage with the vibrant cultural scene right here in Newark. By bringing students into the heart of the city's artistic community, we fostered a sense of connection and appreciation for Newark's rich cultural heritage. Seeing students interact with local artists and experience the diverse array of exhibits at the museum was truly gratifying, as it reinforced the importance of creating meaningful connections between our students and the broader Newark community."

Manager Victor Gomez shared how the event enhanced student engagement, "Hosting events like this, both on and off campus, is crucial for fostering a sense of community and belonging among students. It enriches their educational experience and encourages them to become active participants in the cultural and social fabric of the city. For many, it was their first time stepping into the museum and learning of its existence."

Associate Director Gregory Gamble added, "Hosting student engagement events on and off-campus is essential for creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. By exposing students to new experiences, perspectives and opportunities, we are helping to shape them into well-rounded individuals who are academically successful, socially conscious and community-minded citizens. We are helping to foster a sense of civic engagement and social responsibility. These experiences not only enrich their academic and personal lives but also help to prepare them for life beyond graduation, where they will be active participants in their communities."

Participants expressed that the event was rewarding and fulfilling and enhanced cross-campus collaboration. Coordinator Jamila Savage conveyed, "Working in the Seton Hall space in the Gateway building in Newark provides me with a unique opportunity to interact with the Newark community. I prioritize engaging with Newark's businesses, restaurants and organizations on behalf of Seton Hall and serving as a link between the two. It was a wonderful experience to have so many different departments in Seton Hall represented and see Seton Hall students enjoying the event. I was overjoyed that so many of my colleagues were willing to come and give their time, energy and resources to make the event a success."

Project Coordinator Kayla Strube added, "Hosting events on campus allows students to connect with individuals they might not have crossed paths with otherwise and offers many opportunities to find new hobbies and interests that may benefit their growth as a human and a professional. These events also foster on-campus pride and contribute to the integrity and longevity of the relationship between students, faculty, staff and administrators, which is integral to the success of Seton Hall as a whole."

To learn more about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts at Seton Hall, visit the DEI website or email dei@shu.edu. 

Categories: Arts and Culture