FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 22, 2023
MEDIA CONTACTS: Gordon Tepper, Rebecca Cheng and Michael Anderson | (516) 869-7794
Brian Devine | (516) 869-2475
Town Officials Celebrate Black History Month
North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Member Robert Troiano, Jr., members of the Town Board along with Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe recently celebrated Black History Month at the Westbury Middle School on February 15.
The theme of this year’s event was “Black Resistance” and celebrated the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, John Lewis, Ella Baker, and local civic activists. The African American Museum of Nassau County curated a special exhibit for the day.
“This celebration serves as an opportunity to not only reflect on our history, but also to further embrace Black History, Black culture, and highlight and support our diversity as a Town,” Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said. “Black History Month is an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the achievements that African Americans have accomplished, and I am proud to honor these amazing honorees for all their good works, and for all they do each day to serve as role models to the communities throughout the Town.”
"This Black History Month, we joined together to recognize and honor the countless contributions that African Americans have made throughout our nation's history,” said Council Member Robert Troiano, Jr. “We were proud to recognize four outstanding honorees and celebrate their achievements. Learning from past injustices and hardships, while embracing diversity, will allow us to make progress in creating a more inclusive future for all."
The event featured a cocktail hour with refreshments provided by Pleasures Pot of Westbury. The invocation was given by Paster Elon Sylvester of the Westbury United Methodist Church. The event also featured the Westbury Middle School Senior Choir, local students, and a performance by Layla’s Dance and Drum.
During the event the Town Board recognized Robin Bolling, Dr. Pless M. Dickerson, Michelle Brice, and Major General Joseph McNeil for their advocacy and contributions to the community. Each were presented a proclamation of recognition for their work.
North Hempstead TV will be airing highlights from this event. Tune in to NHTV on Channel 18/65 on Cablevision and Channel 46 on Verizon FIOS or log on to www.myNHTV.com.