Discussion Panel Held on African-American History

ELLENVILLE – Prominent members of the local community came together in the Ellenville High School (EHS) library on February 21 to participate in a panel discussion held in honor of Black History Month.

Hosted by the EHS Multicultural Club and supported by the Family and Community Engagement Project (FCEP), the event gave Ellenville students the opportunity to hear from esteemed members of the community and encouraged them to think broadly about African-American history and culture.

Ellenville Central School District Board of Education trustees Willie Bruce Jr. and Rev. Julius Collins participated in the event, as did Ellenville truancy officer Raymond Younger and FCEP grant coordinator Frank Mulhern. The first question asked of the panelists by program moderator Joakim Lartey, a youth development coordinator for Ulster BOCES, was: Which notable African Americans from past or present inspire you? Among the names heard in reply were Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, Nelson Mandela, Condoleezza Rice, and Barack Obama.

“Growing up in West Virginia, my siblings and I experienced all kinds of prejudice and racism,” explained Younger, who also serves as deputy mayor for the Village of Ellenville. “We learned to rise above it and we were inspired by those who paved the way for us and made a great impact on America. Those individuals had to rise above many challenges—first and foremost being the color of their skin.”

Bruce Jr., who said he looked up to African-American activists like Angela Davis and Marcus Garvey, implored students to look for and find their own inspirations. “Find someone who looks like you and make that person your hero,” he said. “Draw inspiration from them however you can.”

Another discussion topic—important issues currently affecting the African- American community—drew responses from the panelists like “a lack of self-respect” and “poor education.”

“On the micro level, we need people to step up and take care of their families,” answered Mulhern, referring specifically to mothers and fathers. “On the macro level, it’s all about leadership. We need leaders to stand up and teach young people how to pursue what they are passionate about.”

ENL teacher and Multicultural Club advisor Carl Bueti said the event was a great way to come together to be educated and celebrate Black History Month, and was appreciative of all those who participated.

“It was great to see the school and members of the community come together to make this assembly a success, he said. “I believe that this panel discussion could be a model for similar events in the future, for the education and enlightenment of the students.”