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Town Black History Event Celebrates Words of Maya Angelou and Features Local Musicians


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 5, 2015
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Town Black History Event Celebrates Words of Maya Angelou and Features Local Musicians

North Hempstead, NY –Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Councilwoman Viviana Russell hosted the Town’s Annual Black History Month celebration at the “Yes We Can” Community Center on February 27th. Dozens of proud parents and members of the community were on hand to witness inspiring musical performances from local students from Westbury High School, Drexel Avenue Elementary School, and Park Avenue Elementary School.

The event, which was sponsored by Nassau Educators Federal Credit Union (NEFCU), featured a theme of ‘The Words of Maya Angelou’, which included readings from local students of Angelou’s most famous works.

“Since 1976, each U.S. President has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month in this country,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “And we are proud to follow that lead here in the Town of North Hempstead.”

Councilwoman Russell, who spearheaded the creation of this event said, “Each year this event is so important as it takes us back through history and educates us on important figures in African-American history and also integrates music, which is such an important part of our culture.”

Several members of the Town Board were also on hand to honor residents from their district who have given back to the community and have displayed remarkable generosity in their care and service of others. The honorees were:

  • Robert Troiano (Westbury), honored by Supervisor Bosworth
  • Judith Burgess Abiodun (Westbury), honored by Councilwoman Viviana Russell, District 1
  • Jackie Lee (Roslyn), honored by Councilman Peter Zuckerman, District 2
  • Joseph C. Lloyd (Garden City Park) honored by Councilman Angelo Ferrara, District 3
  • Yvonne Beecham (Great Neck), honored by Councilwoman Lee Seeman, District 5
  • The Hands of Change Civic Association, honored by Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, District 6

Other entertainment included ‘The Kids of Yes We Can’ with African Dance and Drumming and a musical presentation from Westbury High School’s ‘Westbury Roc Boyz.’ Westbury Boy Scout Troop 233 opened the night by presenting the color guard and performing the pledge.


 


Councilman Peter Zuckerman (District 2) honors Jackie Lee of Roslyn.



Joseph C. Lloyd of Garden City Park, from Councilman Ferrara’s District (District 3).


Councilwoman Lee Seeman (District 5) honors Yvonne Beecham of Great Neck.


Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio (District 6) honors the Hands of Change Civic Association.


Councilwoman Viviana Russell (District 1) honors Judith Burgess Abiodun of Westbury.


Supervisor Judi Bosworth honors Town Director of Operations Robert Troiano of Westbury.


Westbury Boy Scout Troop 233 presented the Color Guard and performed the pledge of allegiance


The Drexel Avenue Select Choir led by Mr. Greg Brenner.


Arahmus Brown, member of the band, the Westbury Rock Boys, performs.
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