The Tamesis
National Library Week has just concluded – the theme of which is find your happiness–The New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for the Study of Black Culture welcomed the season with a grand 100th anniversary gala.
The Harlem-based institution celebrated its centennial celebration earlier this month at the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, which also included a special awards ceremony honoring honorees Angela Bassett, Solange Knowles, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Nikole Hannah-Jones. and Edwidge Danticat.
As guests including Tina Knowles, Gayle King, Aurora James, Tamron Hall, Sonny Hostin, Thelma Golden and Mikalyn Thomas arrived, the Harlem Abyssinian Baptist Choir greeted them with a serenade of hymns before sunset. The library’s grand exterior staircase was decorated with fresh flowers and a luxurious lavender rug, and the electrifying performance set the tone for what awaited inside.
Upon entering through the turnstiles, guests will see the landmark library transformed with dazzling soft lighting, a festive bar and floral decorations. “These are the perks of being a Schomburg member,” Thomas said with a smile, as she danced to the gilded steps. “I love being a member, obviously for the educational value, but also for culturally significant moments like tonight!”
Themed welcome cocktails curated by Deniseea Head include the rum-based “Like a Raisin in the Sun” and a watermelon vodka spritz called “Cotton Club’s Fizz.” Meanwhile, plates of fruit tarts, chicken nuggets and french fries filled the hall before the crowd gathered for dinner.
A stunning dance and percussion performance by Batalá New York led guests in a procession through a winding hallway and downstairs, where a room filled with velvet-upholstered tables. “I knew I had to be here tonight,” Hostin told Fashion. “At a time when black history is under attack, this event is so important considering what just happened with the Voting Rights Act. And it’s beautiful here!”
Designer Aurora James echoed similar sentiments: “I feel very lucky that we have an archive like the Schomburg and wish more people could learn about it, visit it, and understand its true, vital importance.” Musician and entrepreneur Benjamin Bronfman echoed, “Tonight’s gala and its atmosphere highlighted the efforts of the Schomburg.”
After taking their seats at the Celeste Bartos Forum, guests can enjoy a menu carefully designed by James Beard Award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet. Delicious dishes include smoked beet aspic, spinach chicken parmigiana, pickled okra and cornbread with seasoned butter. “I’m Haitian-American from Queens, so I’m very familiar with the Schomburg. Because of the historical significance of tonight, I spent several hours doing research there in order to familiarize myself with the menu and be fully prepared,” Gourdet said.
During the program, Nafisa Sharriff mesmerized the room with her spiritual talk, while Mahogany L. Browne recited the seminal poetry of Langston Hughes Negroes talking about rivers. “I’m just in awe of how everything turned out tonight; it was perfect,” said Chamber Group founder and publicist Chris Chambers. Fashion designer Brandon Blackwood agreed: “It’s been such a busy week, especially the Met Gala, but tonight’s Schomburg 100th anniversary is very important to me.”
