In New York City, we have access to amazing historical archives and collections, including through the New York Public Library and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This year, we visited the Barnard Archives and Special Collections where associate director Obden Mondesir shared collections related to activism. He introduced us to the Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters. The B.O.S.S. collection consists of letters, notes, membership rosters, meeting minutes, speeches, photographs, flyers and newspaper clippings dating back to 1968. Through the story of these young leaders we can also explore the history of the black studies movement and campus activism.
