Black History on Feb. 8 received exceptional recognition and contributions from youths, thanks to the Queens Book Fair & Literary Festival Inc. founder, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, an educator and uplifting leader, who celebrated the initiative’s seventh installment in the auditorium of the Richmond Hill Queens library.
The enlightening program, which captured the historical and empowering fight to end injustices in America by Martin Luther King, Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and Rosa Parks, among others, was held in partnership with the Office of Adult and Continuing Education NYC and sponsored by the Indian Diaspora Council International. It brought together community leaders, educators, politicians, and a wide cross-section of the community.
The organization, which has focused on topics of migration and women’s history, was lauded by NY Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., who said, “I love Black History Month. We get to move forward together as one and not repeat the crimes and discrimination of the past.
“We elected officials to have this unique ability and opportunity to help everyone, but we can only do that by learning from the past as well. It’s very important to understand the struggles of those that we will never know from hundreds of years ago,” said Sen. Addabbo, who presented Journalist and Caribbean Life contributor Tangerine Clarke and 27Q064 Principal Elizabeth Mitchell with Proclamations for their exemplary contributions to the community.
The politician also acknowledged the factual keynote address, calling it knowledgeable and very well expressed by eminent former Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) journalist Hugh Hamilton, who captivated the audience with an excellent recollection of the African American experience in the Caribbean and American and spoke of the parallel between Black civil rights movement in the United States, and the decolonization struggle in the Caribbean and Africa.
Explaining the word ‘black’ and quoting from Cornell West’s book, Hamilton pointed out that blackness has no meaning outside of a system of race-conscious people and practices after centuries of racist degradation, exploitation, and oppression in America.
“Being black means being minimally a subject to white supremacist abuse and being part of a rich culture and community that has struggled against that abuse, explained the broadcaster during a lengthy and enthralling speech that captivated the audience.
The Tenth Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana and author of “Sylvia’s Love and Lost,” Professor Ivelaw L. Griffith, in his message, recited Claude McKay’s poem “If We Must Die,” which recalled the trials and tribulations of black folk in America in the 1990s.
While drawing a parallel to America’s challenging landscape under the new president, he called on black folk, brown folk, women folk, gay, lesbian, and LGBT folk to fight back.
“As we start Black History Month and have to deal with the trauma, the trials, and tribulations of a new political dispensation, let us continue to celebrate who we are, celebrate what we’ve contributed to this great society and to the world, and continue to fight back,” said Professor Griffith.
Former Schenectady, New York, Mayor Albert Jurczynski, who said he was 11 years old when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, recalled his favorite quote by the civil rights leader: ‘ People should not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.’ He noted the connection he had with the Guyanese community in Schenectady during his eight-year term in office.
“I love the Guyanese people; they are wonderful. They saved Schenectady,” he said, adding that today, the nationals make up the largest ethnic population in the state, outnumbering the Italians.
Along with colleague Tom Kennedy, Mayor Jurczynski said it was an honor to learn more about Black History and thanked Dr. Narine for giving him the opportunity to interact with the Guyanese community.
Chair of Community Board 9, Queens, Sherry Algredo, in her introduction, thanked Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, an educator for 37 years, for his vision that celebrated the seventh year of the initiative, noting the successful growth of the unique program in the community that gives youth a platform to excel.
Consul General of Guyana to New York, Michael E. Brotherson, in a message read by Akila Huntly-Olius, consular at the diplomatic office, noted that Black History Month is a powerful opportunity “for us to reflect on our past and draw inspiration for the future.
“We honor the incredible legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to recognize the remarkable achievement of our community and acknowledge that Black history is rooted in resilience.
The statement says these stories of strength and triumph will empower the next generation.
NYC Dept. of Education Arthur Jackson, an educator, recalled the discrimination and disparity that persist in America but noted the contributions that Dr. Narine, a humble man, makes in the community.
He gifted Dr. Narine a heart-shaped plaque that reads ‘A Beautiful Garden is a work of Heart.” He also presented a symbolic golden elephant he called a good luck charm and a token of protection.
The compelling event celebrated the youth, who read inspiring quotes, recited poems, and shared information on the achievements of black trailblazers who helped shape black history.
Deputy Queens Borough President Ebony Young recalled her chilling encounter with racism at age six, growing up in a white neighborhood. She used this experience as a teaching moment and one of resilience.
Young then presented Proclamations to the honorees on behalf of Queens Borough President Donovan Richard Jr.
Dr. Veronica Wiltshire, a pediatrician whose excellent duties as moderator helped the smooth flow of the enthralling program, was delighted to introduce her sister Vonita Semple, who delighted the audience with a gripping rendition of Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman.”
Gratitude was also extended to other speakers, in addition to the aides of Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar, Council Member Lynn Shulman, Senator Leroy Comrie, and Assembly Member David Weprin, Sherry Algredo, who handed over citations, proclamations and certificates to the honorees.
Plaques from Dr. Narine, visionary of the Queens Book Fair & Literary Festival, Inc., were also presented to the honorees, and Hugh Hamilton received a Certificate of Achievement.
