LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Incorporated Village of
Freeport's First Black History Month Celebration

WHEREAS, Black History Month, which was founded in 1926 by Dr. Carter G.
Woodson, is celebrated, nationally, each year during the month of Febru-
ary to recognize and pay tribute to many African-Americans long-neglect-
ed by society and the history books; and
WHEREAS, During the early 1970s, Negro History Week became known as
Black History Week; in 1976, the week-long observance was extended to
the entire month of February in order to have enough time for celebrato-
ry programs and activities and, thus was established as Black History
Month; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
Incorporated Village of Freeport's First Black History Month Celebration
on Friday, February 5, 2010, in Freeport, New York; and
WHEREAS, The theme of this event is "Faith Filled Past...Promised
Filled Future"; the evening will include the rich history and contrib-
utions that the African-American community has given to the Village and
the Nation; and
WHEREAS, In the year 2009, the United States of America inaugurated
its first African-American President in Barack Obama, and the Incorpo-
rated Village of Freeport elected its first African-American Mayor in
Andrew Hardwick; and
WHEREAS, This celebration will highlight the many achievements of the
Village's African-American community by way of an award ceremony which
recognizes individuals or groups that exhibit and exemplify excellence;
and
WHEREAS, Freeport's First Black History Month Celebration Honorees
include: Daryl and Chatese Allen; Brea Baker; Brooke Baker; Ms. Carol
Green; Bishop Ronald H. Carter, Pastor of Refuge Apostolic Church of
Christ; Mrs. Patricia Charthern; Mr. Shawn Davis; The Freeport High
School Football Team and The Freeport High School Cheerleaders; Mr. John
Hardwick; Gamar Patrick Josama; Mr. Ernest J. Kight, Jr., Principal of
Freeport High School; the Reverend Dr. Eric Charles Mallette, Pastor of
Greater Second Baptist Church; Freeport High School's 2010 Valedictorian
Nathan Rodriguez, and Salutatorian Samantha Hollinde; Mr. Hollie Wheel-
er; and The Reverend Dr. Harry White II, Senior Pastor of Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the lives in their community and have shown a long and sustained
commitment to excellence certainly have earned recognition and applause;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Incorporated Village of Freeport's First Black History
Month Celebration; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned honorees, and to Andrew Hardwick, Mayor of
the Incorporated Village of Freeport.