Center for Cultural Engagement
The mission of the Center for Cultural Engagement at Camden County College is to empower our community through innovative and relevant programming based on Social Justice and Diversity, Equity and Inclusive principles.
Our new scheduling format will be focused on promoting timely, lively and thought-provoking discourse with our students and broader College community. Please check the website for upcoming events and latest announcements.
Upcoming Events
All-County Modern Band Showcase
Please join us for a showcase performance featuring high school students exclusively performing popular music that combine vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass, horns, and strings.
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Dennis Flyer Theater
Blackwood Campus
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Civic Hall
Blackwood Campus
Backpack Jeff presents T.E.R.M.K.
Join Backpack Jeff for a talk about a framework that can serve as a guide for reaching your dreams and making your visions a reality. Whether you want to start a business, excel academically, or create a positive change in your community, you’ll need five essential elements, summed up in the acronym T.E.R.M.K.: Time, Experience, Resources, Money, and Knowledge. Each of these plays a unique role in the process, and when combined, they become a powerful force to help you bring your desires to life.
Camden County College students who register to attend will receive up to a $10 voucher toward a lunch.
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Forum – Connector Building – Rm 101
Blackwood Campus
Race, Culture, and the Spirit of Emmett Till
Please join Keith A. Beauchamp at 12:30 p.m. for a lively discussion about the movie, “Race, Culture, and the Spirit of Emmett Till”.
There will be a screening of the movie at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Q & A.
Camden County College students who register to attend will receive a boxed lunch on that day.
Past Events
Little Big Things
Dr. Faye Allard presented “Little Big Things” an interactive presentation about the life changing power of educators employing the Little Big Things on students, the science behind why our brains try to talk us out of doing good things for others, case studies, practical tips, and the guiding principles of giving, uplifting, and validating others so that you can make a small but significant positive impact in the classroom and beyond.
Justice in Action
Representatives from the New Jersey Superior Courts engaged in discussions about Criminal Justice Reform, explored various Judiciary Career Pathways, and participated in a Q&A session with Superior Court Judges.
A Discussion on the Electoral College
Dr. Kelly Jackson led an engaging lecture which included a comprehensive overview of the Electoral College, addressing questions that often arise during election season. Participants explored why the United States uses the Electoral College to decide presidential elections, how the distribution of electoral votes among states is determined, and the role of the Electors, including what happens if they do not vote as pledged. Dr. Jackson’s presentation offered attendees a thorough understanding of the complexities behind the Electoral College and what would be required to eliminate it.
Second Chance Month: Robin’s Story
April is designated as “Second Chance Month”, a time to recommit to helping people forge the new beginnings they have earned, and building a safer and more just society.
In 1996, Robin Ledbetter was just 14 years old when she was convicted of a felony and sentenced as an adult to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole. At the time, Robin was the youngest female ever to be given such a severe penalty in the state of Connecticut. After serving 25 years at York Correctional Institution, Robin was released thanks to the support of a dedicated legal team. While in prison, Robin earned an associate degree, became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and served as a mentor to other female prisoners. Robin is a published, prize-winning author, and has spoken about her experiences in the justice system at Yale University.
Matthew Henson: “A Negro Explorer at the North Pole”
Historic reenactor and CCC Alumni, Keith Henley ’08 visited our Blackwood Campus on February 20, 2024, to portray Matthew Henson (1866-1955) as part of The Center’s Lunch & Learn series. Matthew Henson was an African American explorer, who is known for his expeditions throughout the Northern Hemisphere, and is acknowledged as the first man to each the North Pole. The story of Matthew Henson’s fascinating life serves as a reminder to believe in yourself despite the odds, and to rise above the limited expectations of others to reach any goal.
Backpack Jeff
Backpack Jeff visited students at our Blackwood Campus on January 24, 2024 to discuss core values establishing a blueprint for their success with our students, as part of the The Center’s Lunch & Learn series. Backpack Jeff is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, personal development coach, and poet. His passion lies in helping others get the most out of their lives by teaching techniques to help them flourish in their respective fields of expertise.
United States Surgeon General
On November 28, 2023, Camden County College hosted United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy on our Blackwood Campus as part of his national “We Are Made to Connect” Tour. The Surgeon General spoke with actor and mental health advocate Daniel Ezra, who stars as Spencer in the hit show All American about how individuals can address loneliness, encouraging participants to reach out to one another, strengthen their relationships, and, ultimately, build more connection in their daily lives.
Dr. Clarence B. Jones
The Camden County Board of Commissioners and Camden County College were honored to welcome Dr. Clarence B. Jones, Speechwriter and Counsel to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to the Dennis Flyer Theater at our Blackwood Campus on September 13, 2023 for a discussion on Civil Rights, the Constitution, and his new book, “Last of the Lions,” followed by a Q & A session with attendees, and a book signing.
More from the Center for Cultural Engagement
Contact Information
Center for Cultural Engagement
200 College Drive
Blackwood, NJ 08012
Phone: (856) 227-7200, ext. 4333
Email: thecenter@bc178.cc