Yorktown Celebrates Black History
More great books at the John C. Hart Memorial Library for Black History Month! In addition to the books highlighted in these videos, the library also has it's Black History Month, New Fiction, and New Non-Fiction carts out on the porch during library hours on good weather days. Patrons can search and request books online or browse the carts on the porch.
The Hart Library has also partnered with Yorktown for Justice who is making a quilt to celebrate Black History Month because quilts were used by the Underground Railroad to signal when it was safe to move slaves safely. Come to the porch on Saturday, February 13th between 10 am - 12 pm and pick up your FREE bag of mixed fabric and scraps from generous donations from Fabric Mart and Girl Scout Troop 2540.
*Please note there is a Zoom meeting Monday February 15 at 10 am that reviews suggested themes for the quilt squares as well as links to books and read alouds, and an interview with young author Egypt Bush. Join the Zoom meeting at https://mtvernoncsd-org.zoom.us/j/97828417556?pwd=aktGdldEM3RTTnd5R2NHbT... masterpiece can be dropped off Saturday February 27th between 10 am and 12 pm. More information can be found at http://YorktownForJustice.org
Yorktown will celebrate Black History Month with actions and books.
On Tuesday the Town Board issued a Black History Month proclamation reaffirming that Yorktown is a community of hope, generosity and acceptance. The Town Board also authorized Supervisor Matt Slater to enter into an agreement with the Alliance for Safe Kids, Inc. to provide a community-based mental health program focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Words without actions are hollow. That’s why the Town Board approved two important programs focused on mental health for our youth as well as an innovative initiative to explore and educate our community about diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Supervisor Slater. “This is a great partnership, led by Councilwoman Alice Roker, in conjunction with a well-known Yorktown-based organization and Westchester County to provide these important services.”
“Our children are our lives’ greatest accomplishments and they deserve our nurturing and protection,” said Board Member Vishnu Patel.
“Children are our future and Covid-19 has posed unprecedented challenges for them. Investing in their mental health is the right thing to do,” said Board Member Tom Diana.
“Black History Month is so important as it is not only integral to the fabric of American history, but a lot of it came with great cost and sacrifice. I personally feel that highlighting these stories helps us all to understand how to overcome and achieve our goals,” said Board Member Ed Lachterman. “I am very proud that our town board has unanimously united to work with the Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK), a great organization that has been working effectively with the families of Yorktown for over a decade. They are a great resource and it would have been an absolute tragedy if we lost them—especially with Covid-19 and the isolation that it has caused.”
Board Member Alice Roker agreed with Patel stating that one way of preparing children for the war on hatred and lies is through knowledge and understanding.
Yorktown’s Black history dates to the Revolutionary War. Several dozen soldiers of the First Rhode Island Regiment died at the Battle of Pines Bridge in Yorktown on May 14, 1781 and they are buried at the First Presbyterian Church (Burial Grounds) at 2880 Crompond Road in Yorktown Heights. The regiment was composed predominantly of enslaved Black soldiers who enlisted in the American Continental Army to earn their freedom.
In recognition of the Black soldiers’ sacrifices, Supervisor Slater will join the John C. Hart Memorial Library to highlight two Black history books a week for adults and children on social media platforms. The first book video is posted on the Town’s Facebook page.
