North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Member Robert Troiano Jr., members of the Town Board and Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe recently celebrated Black History Month at the Westbury Middle School on Feb. 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,” 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 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 Pastor 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.