Bronx Community College (BCC), in partnership with the Amadou Diallo Foundation (ADF), hosted the 12th Annual Amadou Diallo Youth Arts & Sci-Tech Day on February 7, 2026. The day-long program convened more than 150 middle school, high school, and college students for workshops, discussions, and performances focused on youth leadership and community engagement.

The annual event honors the life and legacy of Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old immigrant who came to the United States to pursue his education and was killed in a police shooting on February 4, 1999. Since then, the Amadou Diallo Foundation, led by Diallo’s mother, Kadiatou Diallo, has supported educational initiatives and scholarships while promoting community dialogue and racial healing. BCC partners with the Foundation to administer the Amadou Diallo Memorial Scholarship, which helps students complete their college degrees.

This year’s theme, “Youth Solutions for Uprighting an Upside-Down World,” encouraged participants to explore solutions to social, technological, and health challenges affecting their communities. The program included panel discussions and interactive activities designed to engage students in civic and community-based problem-solving and student performances: African dance and drumming, poetry, Indian dance, and hip-hop.

BCC President Larry D. Johnson welcomed participants and spoke about the importance of the College’s longstanding partnership with the Amadou Diallo Foundation and its commitment to supporting student success. A representative from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson’s office presented a proclamation recognizing the day as Amadou Diallo Youth Arts & Sci-Tech Day in the Bronx. Amadou Diallo Foundation President Kadiatou Diallo reflected on her son’s life and the Foundation’s ongoing work to expand educational opportunities for young people.

The event was organized through a collaboration among several BCC programs and student organizations, including STEP, TRIO, the Male Empowerment Network, the African Students Association, and the Hip-Hop Club. Community partners included Dare 2 Dream, Morris Heights Health Center, International Child Program, and Motivational Innovative Concepts.