The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) Youth Studies program is proud to announce our 2026 programming.

This year’s Community and Youth Organizing Series features two powerful documentaries and a dynamic panel discussion exploring how art, creativity, and performance fuel movements for justice. Through thought-provoking films and conversations, the series highlights the transformative role of artistic expression in community organizing and social change.

The final event in the series is The Black August Hip Hop Project.

Each screening will be followed by an engaging conversation led by Professor Lumumba Bandele, helping audiences reflect on the insights shared by artists and organizers and connect those lessons to today’s justice movements.

Use the button below to register:

The Black August Hip-Hop Project 

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 6:00 PM
Virtual via Zoom

Shot in the span of ten years, Black August Hip-Hop Project takes us to New York City, Cuba, and South Africa to raise awareness about political prisoners in the United States. The documentary highlights the work of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movements’ work to free political prisoners and features interviews with former political prisoners, intellectuals and social activists including Assata Shakur, Kathleen Cleaver, Nehanda Abiodun, as well as performances by artists such as Talib Kweli, Mos Def, David Banner, Dead Prez, and Common.

Running Time: 78 Minutes

Facilitator

Adjunct Lecturer, CUNY School of Professional Studies and Organizer, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement