African American History Month
February is designated as African American History Month. In the Town of Hempstead we are proud to acknowledge that designation and also to pay tribute to the many African American men and women who make a difference in our township.
On Tuesday, Feb. 8, the Town of Hempstead will host our annual African American History Celebration. Sheena Wright, President and CEO of Abyssinian Development Corporation, will be our guest speaker for this very special event, which this year will be themed “The Start of a New Decade: Believe • Build • Empower.”
An important aspect of this celebration is the recognition of those who have committed themselves to community service within the town, positively impacting the lives of our residents. The recipient of this year’s Community Service Award is Bishop Frank O. White of Zion Cathedral Church in Freeport and the program will also pay tribute to five Town of Hempstead employees for their 25 years of service, including Terry Edwards, Dana Frazier, Lois Gittens, Edward Holley, Jr. and Anthony Thomas. In addition, the Town of Hempstead Rosa Parks Award will be awarded to Tuskegee Airmen Jason Arrington of Elmont, Eddie Monroe of Freeport, William Wheeler of Hempstead and Victor Terrelonge and Robert Olden of Roosevelt.
I would like to invite all our residents to attend the Town of Hempstead African American History Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. The event will be held in the Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion at Town Hall. Residents also may visit Town Hall throughout the month to view the photo art exhibit.
