Celebrating black history
Community organizers, representatives kick off Black History Month at YMCA
The third Black History Month Kingston Kickoff drew an enthusiastic crowd to the YMCA on Broadway Saturday afternoon.
After brief introductory comments by community organizers and representatives,
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the event launched into some crowd-pleasing performances by local talent.
“People have really embraced us,” said Tyrone Wilson, one of the event’s organizers and Executive Director of Harambee, who added that the event draws in a wider circle of participants each year. “It’s to educate people about African-American culture and history,” he said, and celebrating, “diversity and unification.”
One of the vendors at the event, Tamika Dunkley, a
Saugerties entrepreneur and owner of a Caribbean spice and sauces business, said she was especially excited about her nonprofit, seasonedgives.org, which includes a program called Circle of Dollars.
“There are few black businesses around,” said Dunkley, explaining Cir
cle of Dollars. “We want to help empower local people to become more successful.” Dunkley said the nonprofit helps with mentoring, networking and finding funding.
Local officials attending the event included Mayor Steve Noble, County Executive Pat Ryan, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa and New York State Representative Antonio Delgado.
“I’m so honored to represent all of you and to make sure we remember our diverse history,” said Noble, dressed in jeans and a
“Black History Kingston” sweatshirt as he addressed the crowd. “We have had African-Americans [who have made important political and social decisions], who have created amazing businesses here and who have served our city… this month is an opportunity to remember that.”
“One of the things I’ve come to appreciate about our part of the state, the country,” said Delgado, “is that we’ve got a lot of good people with good hearts who care about our community.”
Delgado also spoke about the importance of the vote, “in very trying times for our country.”
After introductory remarks, the program opened
with a performance by 26-year-old Kingston singer Kortnee Simmons, which sparked cheers from the crowd.
The event included more singers, performers from The Center for Creative Education, the MyKingstonKids Dance Party, Pook!, African dance, poetry and a fashion show.