February 12, 2007

A Celebration of African-American Heritage Month

Organized by Legislator Bronz, the theme of the Board’s 2007 Celebration of African American Heritage Month was "African-American History in the Making." A rousing musical selection was performed by soloist Joseph Mosley, a retired Greenburgh music teacher who continues to lend his powerful voice and music skills as a volunteer to many organizations. Brenda Connor-Bey an award winning poet, writer and arts-in-education consultant read two of her inspiring poems. She is the First Poet Laureate of Greenburgh.

The featured speaker, Hugh B. Price, former President and CEO of the National Urban League, highlighted the great achievements made by African Americans as well as the challenges that remain. He pointed to the three revolutions of the African American community—for freedom in the 19th century, for equality in the 20th century and now, in the 21st century; the need for economic development. He noted that Westchester County is a microcosm of a national society that requires our leaders to work hard at making diversity, opportunity and affordability work for all. Mr. Price, a resident of New Rochelle, noted the tradition of African American leaders who have lived or currently live in Westchester including civil rights leaders Whitney Young and Vernon Jordan, corporate heads Kenneth Chenault and Earl Graves and artists Gordon Parks and Cab Calloway, to name a few. Mr. Price, author of Achievement Matters: Getting Your Child The Best Education Possible, published by Kensington Books, said the leadership of Westchester, the policymakers and legislators, the organizations and the community at large must give the message to young people that literacy and achievement matters and make sure that all Westchester children who believe they can fly, get to touch the sky.

Legislator Bronz awarded Certificates of Merit to Westchester Community College graduates Sherice Hughey and Dwayne Kelly. They were recognized for winning the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship awards in 2006 in recognition of their academic ability, leadership and personal achievements. The 38 scholars selected in 2006 came from 17 states and 8 foreign nations and receive up to $30,000 annually to help graduates of community and two-year colleges continue their college education. Sherice Hughey has completed her baccalaureate degree at New York University and will enter a Master’s Degree program in higher and adult education at Baruch College. Dwayne Kelly entered Fordham University in September 2006. His first semester GPA at Fordham was 3.78. Both Sherice and Dwayne spoke eloquently about their rewarding journey to pursue their career goals.

 

Click here to view the event's program.

Legislator Lois Bronz	Mr. Joseph Mosley
Ms. Brenda Connor-Bey	Mr. Hugh Price, Esq
Chairman Bill Ryan and Legislator Lois Bronz present proclamations to Westchester Community College students, Sherice Hughey and Dwayne Kelly, recipients of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship award.