Black History Month Celebrated By the Community

“Black Loves Heals,” a Black History Month Celebration, was held at the Trolley Barn in Poughkeepsie, New York.
“Black Loves Heals,” a Black History Month Celebration, was held at the Trolley Barn in Poughkeepsie, New York.

POUGHKEEPSIE – “Black Loves Heals,” a Black History Month Celebration, held Wednesday at the Trolley Barn in Poughkeepsie, provided an opportunity for members of the community to come together to elevate the vastness of Black, African, and African American culture.

Hosted by Talent Davis, local arts advocate and former Lead for Poughkeepsie fellow, the event featured live youth performances and dance, performances by local singers, a panel conversation about Black empowerment, an African drumming circle, and a career resource fair to connect youth and families to opportunities in the community.

A highlight of the event featured Poughkeepsie City School District students, joined by Neal Grover, PHS music teacher; Jasmin Davis, Clinton Elementary School teacher, Khadijah Lodge, Lead for Poughkeepsie executive director, and other members of the community in the African Drumming Circle led by BabaKazi Oliver, local African Drummer extraordinaire.

BabaKazi, organized over 30 participants ranging in age from adolescence to late adulthood, to present a sonically moving performance using traditional African drums and gankogui bells.

Presented by the New York State Minority in Criminal Justice, the event was cosponsored by Poughkeepsie City Schools Community Schools Department, Dutchess County and Tuskegee Airman, Inc.

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