Politics & Government

'Jazzy Night,' Black History Events Announced

The Town of North Hempstead plans upcoming celebrations.

The Town of North Hempstead has announced plans for the third annual Black History Month presentation.

Organizers say the event will give a glimpse into the African experience including homeland royalty, slavery and noteworthy figures.

“I take great pride in helping celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to North Hempstead’s storied history and to our country in general,” said Supervisor Jon Kaiman. 

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The Feb. 26 will run “Yes We Can” Community Center in Westbury at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s event will feature music, dance and tributes to past and present notables from the black community.

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One skit will depict the 1841 Supreme Court case in which Pres. John Quincy Adams, played by Kaiman, argued the case for freeing 53 African slaves captured aboard the Amistad off of Long Island.

Participants in the reenactments will also include students from Carle Place High School, Westbury Schools, and Whispering Pines elementary school in Old Westbury.  Music and dance will be provided by Drummers of the Diaspora and Sanaa Movement, a Westbury-based liturgical dance troupe.

One of the troupe’s principals is North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell, the first black female to be elected to the Town Board.

“It’s important,” she said, “for everyone, not just people of African descent, to know about the contributions African Americans to just about every facet of the American fabric.”

Earth Day Video Contest

The Town of North Hempstead announced plans for its fifth annual Earth Day Video Contest, themed “Plastic Ain’t My Bag.” Contests must create a Public Service Announcement in an attempt to educate residents about the potential hazards plastic bags pose to the environment and suggest ways to reduce their excessive use. Participants must students or groups enrolled in a school that participates in the Town of North Hempstead School Recycling Partnership Program. Entries must be submitted by March 22 in a Windows Media Player DVD format and shall not be longer than 2 minutes. The winning video entry will be aired on the Town’s television channel and YouTube. To see a list of eligible schools and contest forms, visit the town's website.

Jazzy Night

Not quite New Orleans, but North Hempstead’s is planning its own version of version of Mardi Gras with a Jazzy Night celebration. The event is scheduled at Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington March 21 at 7 p.m. The New York Jazz Academy Ensemble will perform classic jazz and organizers will supply party goers with a non-spicy style buffet of New Orleans fare, including exotic cheeses and desserts. Coffee and tea are included, while alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the cash bar. The all-inclusive evening of food and fun is $35 per person pre-paid. Make checks payable to Harbor Links Golf Course. Send to: Town of North Hempstead, Department of Parks & Recreation, 1801 Evergreen Avenue, New Hyde Park NY, 11040, c/o Jazzy Night.


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