The Town of North Hempstead held their annual Black History Month celebration last Friday, Feb. 27 at the “Yes We Can” Center, a time for local residents to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history, as well as in the local community today.
“This is a very special program to us because it’s very important to include everyone in the mosaic of our history,” said town councilwoman Viviana Russell. “I look forward to the day when we don’t have to celebrate black history as a month, but when black history is part of American history as it should be. Because black history is American history…It’s the history of America and the foundation of this country.”
Several Westbury children played a major role in the event, which featured the words of poet and activist Maya Angelou. The event began with the color guard and pledge led by Westbury Boy Scout Troop 233. Members of the Westbury High School Gospel sang the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’vry Voice and Sing” and Park Avenue School students read the Maya Angelou poem “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.” Drexel Avenue Elementary School’s fifth grade chorus sang “Wade in the Water,” a song used by Harriet Tubman on the Underground Railroad to tell escaping slaves to get off the trail and into the water so slave-catchers’ dogs couldn’t sniff them out. The Westbury High School Saxophone Quartet also performed three songs.
Young members of the “Yes We Can” Center performed a spirited African dance accompanied by drumming, as well as an oratory titled “It’s Not A Lost Cause.” Westbury High School’s Westbury Roc Boys were the last to take the stage, and the band performed two songs.
During the event, several individuals from the Town of North Hempstead were recognized for their work in the community, including Westbury’s Judith Burgess Abiodun who has helped preserve Westbury’s history, and Robert Troiano, the town’s Director of Operations.
“Robert is a quintessential person in our town and a fixture in our community. He is a leader of the people and has fought tirelessly for them,” said Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth.
