FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2021
MEDIA CONTACTS: Gordon Tepper, Rebecca Cheng, Matthew Leonenko and Michael Anderson | (516) 869-7794

North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board announced that the Town will be hosting a month of virtual programs in celebration of Black History Month.

“This year, we are proud to be hosting a series of virtual programs for Black History Month,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “Our program will include educational pieces which will celebrate the distinguished African Americans in our community. It is important for us to understand our history and the contributions of these trailblazers which have left an indelible mark in shaping our Town and our nation. Through our panels on diversity, representation and identity, highlights on influential inventors, and biographical segments featuring influential community members, we hope to underscore the importance of our neighbors' contributions which serve as an inspiration to us all."

Supervisor Bosworth and the Town Board will be reading Have You Thanked an Inventor Today by Patrie McLaurin and Council Member Russell will be moderating a panel discussion based on the 2021 Black History Month theme, “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity” with Herb Boyd of the Amsterdam News; Elaine Gross, MSW the President of ERASE Racism; Erica Hill, Principal Consultant of Vision Street Research LLC and Marvin McMoore, Senior Political Digital Strategist.

"The last four years has shown us, as a nation, the importance of inclusion and acceptance. This year for Black History Month we, as a Town, have chosen to highlight the much needed dialogue around Diversity, Representation and Identity here on Long Island,” said Council Member Viviana Russell. “I believe by facilitating such dialogue we continue to pave the path of action swinging the pendulum closer to change allowing for a more equitable living environment for us all. At the end of this year’s Black History Month series I challenge you to ask yourself what can you do personally to contribute towards a more equitable Town.”

Throughout the month, the Town will also be broadcasting brief pieces of history, on social media, focusing on influential individuals in the North Hempstead community including: Pastor Victor and Audrey Lewis, the Reid family,  Cato Sands, Charles Levi, Fred Levi, Bishop Harvey, and Lynette Batts, and Desiree Woodson.

The “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity” panel will premiere on Monday, February 1, Monday February 8, and Monday February 15 at 4 p.m. with the complete panel airing the week of February 22 at 4 p.m. daily. The Town Board’s reading of Have You Thanked an Inventor Today will premiere on February 22 at 3 p.m. and air daily.

In addition to appearing on the Town's social media channels, all programs are broadcast on the Town’s award winning government access television station, North Hempstead TV (NHTV). Residents will be able to watch the programs on channel 18 or 63 on Cablevision and channel 46 on Verizon FIOS or by visiting: www.mynhtv.com.

For a complete schedule of upcoming programs, please visit: www.mynhtv.com/schedule.