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North Hempstead Celebrates Black History Month with Art Gallery & Awards Ceremony


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 February 24, 2017
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Rebecca Cheng, Sam Marksheid, and Vicki DiStefano | (516) 869-7794

North Hempstead Celebrates Black History Month with Art Gallery & Awards Ceremony

North Hempstead, NY –North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Council Member Viviana Russell, and the Town Board hosted the Town’s Annual Black History Month Celebration at the “Yes We Can” Community Center in New Cassel on February 10. The theme of this year’s event was “Celebrating African American Achievements in Arts, Science and Education.”

For the first time ever, the Town is honoring Black history with a month-long art exhibit at the “Yes We Can” Community Center. Two exhibits from the Nassau County African American Museum, “Women in NASA” and “African Genius,” are on display throughout the month of February, in addition to work by featured artists: Brumsic Brandon, Jr. and Barbara Brandon Croft, the first nationally-syndicated African American cartoonists.

“African-Americans have made major contributions to the Town of North Hempstead and to our country,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to learn about and celebrate their accomplishments. This marvelous art exhibit highlights several major moments in history that previously did not receive the recognition they deserved.”

Elected officials and members of the community were in attendance for the awards ceremony, which honored prominent African American members of the North Hempstead community who have displayed remarkable generosity in their care and service of the Town. Those attending were also treated to food from the Harvest Diner and live jazz music by the “Yes We Can” Community Band before the art gallery was officially unveiled to the general public.

Several members of the Town Board were on hand to honor residents from their district. The honorees were:
• Dr. Errin Hatwood (recognized by Supervisor Bosworth)
• Brumsic Brandon, III (recognized by Council Member Russell)
• Audrey Lewis (recognized by Council Member Peter Zuckerman)
• Esther Blocker (recognized by Council Member Anna Kaplan)
• Angelena McGuire (recognized by Council Member Dina De Giorgio)

Council Member Russell, who spearheaded this event said, “This annual celebration of African-American history takes us on an important journey back through history and highlights many prominent figures, who are often overlooked in our history books. This year’s display on loan from the African American Museum showcases the incredible contributions of African Americans in the arts and sciences, and their role in shaping our world.”

The “Yes We Can” Community Center is located at 141 Garden Street in New Cassel.



New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, New York State Senator Elaine Phillips, North Hempstead Town Clerk Wayne Wink, North Hempstead Council Member Peter Zuckerman, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Dr. Errin Hatwood, Angelena McGuire, North Hempstead Council Member Dina De Giorgio, Brumsic Brandon III, North Hempstead Council Member Viviana Russell, North Hempstead Council Member Anna Kaplan, New York State Assemblyman Tony D’Urso and Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe at the Annual Black History Month Celebration.

“Yes We Can” Community Band performing at the Annual Black History Month Celebration


Brumsic Brandon III, Council Member Viviana Russell, Barbara Brandon and Linda Brandon at the Annual Black History Month Celebration.


North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth with her honoree, Dr. Errin Hatwood and his children Austin and Blake.


  

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