February 2005 Proclaimed Black History Month

Rev. Stukes accepts Proclamation from County Legislators Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Lois Bronz, Bill Ryan and Clinton Young declaring February 2005 as Black History Month in Westchester County.

The Board of Legislators proclaimed February 2005 as Black History month in Westchester County following a special program that featured several prominent speakers. Rev. Jacob Stukes, President of the Ministers' Fellowship Council of White Plains, spoke eloquently about the Legacy of America's Black Church and its Music. He was followed by a stirring rendition of the Negro National Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by the County's own resident soprano, Paula Redd Zeman, Commissioner of Human Resources. Dr. Julius Ford, Vice President and Dean of Students of Westchester Community College, discussed the origins of the Juneteenth celebration and the Niagara Movement, the first black civil rights organization.