Farmingville, NY – On June 17, the Town of Brookhaven Black History Commission (BHC) held its annual “Juneteenth” celebration in recognition of the 158th anniversary of the end of U.S. slavery in 1865. The event was held at the historic Longwood Estate in Ridge and included a BBQ picnic, games, music, dancing and activities for children. Brookhaven Town officials pictured are (3rd from left) Councilman Neil Foley; (4th from left) Councilman Michael Loguercio; (5th from left) Councilman Neil Manzella; Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (6th from left), Deputy Supervisor Dan Panico (8th from left). Kneeling are BHC member Leah Jefferson and BHC Chairperson Dr. Corinne Graham, Ph.D. Standing in the front row from right to left are Tax Receiver Lou Marcoccia; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; NYS Senator Dean Murray; Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilwoman Jane Bonner.
About the Town of Brookhaven Black History Commission: In 1991, a Black History Month Committee was formed in observance of Black History Month. Two years later, the Town Board established a permanent Black History Commission to provide continuity in planning and organizing a Black History Night celebration every February. The purpose of these celebrations is to acknowledge and honor the contributions of national and local African Americans, nationally and locally, while fostering an appreciation for their culture and heritage. In 2014, the Town board recognized that celebrating African American culture should not be limited to one specific month, so they unanimously passed a resolution expanding and broadening the scope of the Black History Commission. The commission now works on year-round programming to promote black history and culture in the Town of Brookhaven through events and community outreach.
