The Columbia Neighbors bulletin for June 2026 announces a month filled with community celebrations and highlights recent impactful initiatives across Upper Manhattan. Residents can look forward to events such as the highly anticipated return of Taste of Harlem, a culinary festival, and Columbia’s annual Manhattanville Community Day, offering diverse activities throughout the Uptown area.
Recent efforts by Columbia University and its partners have focused on community engagement and educational advancement. Columbia Engineering hosted "Girls’ Science Day" on April 18, introducing New York City middle-schoolers to science through experiments and mentorship. Electrical Engineering Assistant Professor Savannah Eisner said, "When they can build something, test an idea, and ask their own questions under the mentorship of Columbia students, science becomes more than a collection of abstract topics they learn in the classroom. It becomes something personal and possible."
In a collaborative discussion, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Climate School addressed climate change's disproportionate impact on neighborhoods like Harlem. Peggy Shepard, executive director and cofounder of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, emphasized a grassroots approach, stating, "Start where you live. Your voice is the most important on your block." Additionally, Columbia University and Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) launched the BMCC–Columbia NYC Scholars Program, creating pathways for high-achieving BMCC students to continue their education at Columbia.
The bulletin also recaps cultural and public health discussions. Novelist Jamaica Kincaid, Columbia’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence, spoke at the Zora Neale Hurston Lecture, while Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Dean Jonathan Mermin and NYC Health Commissioner Alister Martin discussed improving healthcare in the city. Filmmaker Khashem Gyal screened his latest film, "Daughter of the Light," at the Lenfest Center for the Arts.
Upcoming events include "Summer on the Hudson: Friday Night Jams" on May 29, featuring musician Wes D'Alelio, and the "Harlem Wellness Festival" on May 30, offering fitness and health workshops. Also on May 30, the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum will offer guided tours. June kicks off with the "Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance’s 24th Uptown Arts Stroll" opening reception on June 1 and "Crafts on the Corner: Sketch Sessions" on June 3, both free and open to the public. These initiatives underscore a continued commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaged community in Upper Manhattan.