Academy Award-nominated actress Danielle Brooks will visit Syracuse University on Sunday as part of the Black History Month closing celebration. The event, titled A Conversation with Danielle Brooks, is hosted by University Union and the Office of Belonging and Student Success, highlighting Brooks’ Syracuse visit as a key moment in the month’s programs.
Event Details and Student Participation
The gathering will be held in Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Sophomore Laone Molele will moderate the discussion. Tickets are free for Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students and are accessible through the Student MyCuse Account system. Prior to the event, students are also invited to a pre-show reception from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Atrium, where attendees are encouraged to wear all black semi-formal attire.
Danielle Brooks’ Accomplishments in Film and Theater
Danielle Brooks first gained widespread recognition for her role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in the Netflix series Orange is the New Black, earning three NAACP Image Award nominations during the show’s run. More recently, Brooks appeared in the 2025 film A Minecraft Movie and starred as Sofia in the 2023 musical film The Color Purple, a role that garnered her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 96th Annual Academy Awards.
Her achievements extend to Broadway, where she portrayed Berniece in the 2022 production of The Piano Lesson. Brooks also received a Tony Award nomination in 2016 for her performance in the The Color Purple musical.
Support and Contact Information for Attendees
For students with questions or those seeking accommodations, UU Vice President Kendall Johnson is available to assist via email. This ensures the event is accessible and welcoming to all participants.
Significance of Danielle Brooks’ Visit to Syracuse
Danielle Brooks’ visit to Syracuse University serves as a powerful conclusion to Black History Month activities, providing students with an opportunity to engage with a prominent figure celebrated for her work in both television and theater. This event not only honors cultural contributions but also inspires the university community through dialogue and connection.
