Black History Month

'We find ourselves in a moment when truth is challenged, minimized, or reframed for comfort rather than clarity.'

The “America and the Black Vote” program scheduled for this evening at Riverhead Free Library has been postponed due to snow in today's forecast and ongoing slippery conditions, organizers announced.

The Riverhead school district's Black History Month program Thursday featured dance, music, history, poetry and a compelling keynote speech. Photos.

In times such as these, our history is being erased. We must understand that this is not a drill. Guest column by Carnal Hobson Jr.

A long-defunct motel on Flanders Road, converted into apartments, is a reminder of the once-thriving Black business district in Riverside. David Peter Fitzgerald, whose father built the motel in 1957, and who later operated the motel, recalls Riverside's forgotten history.

The evening featured music and dance, poetry, reflections on historic achievements, honors for two Riverhead educators and a moving keynote address by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. about overcoming adversity.

The push to eliminate DEI puts African American history itself in danger. As Marcus Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” 

Sixty years ago, there were no playgrounds, picnic tables, hiking trails or campsites on the property we know today as Indian Island County Park. In 1964, bulldozers leveled the tin-roofed sheds at what was once one of the largest and worst rural slums in the state.

PBMC's Director of Imaging Services Joseph Bynum has a passion for equity, diversity and inclusion, which he says tells the story of his journey from patient transporter to head of an important division in a bustling hospital.

An array of local talent from captivating dance and vocal performances, to compelling student artwork and words of inspiration from local school and community leaders, highlighted Riverhead Central School District's 15th Annual Black History Month Celebration last night at Riverhead High School. Photo gallery.