100th Anniversary of Black History Month

KINGSTON – Elected officials, community leaders, cultural organizations, and local advocates gathered last Monday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month at a public celebration in the lobby of the Ulster County Office Building.

The program featured participation from Harambee, MyKingstonKids, the Center for Creative Education, the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center for Black History and Culture, the SUNY New Paltz Black Studies Department, St. Paul AME Zion Church (Ellenville), the Ellenville NAACP, My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper (Ellenville), Riverview Missionary Baptist Church (Kingston), and former Ulster County Poet Laureate Kate Hymes. Local youth also shared original poetry, personal reflections, and drumming performances that added depth and meaning to the celebration.

“Black History Month is a time to shine a light on the extraordinary resilience and achievements of Black Americans, and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of justice, equity, and inclusion here at home,”said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger.“I thank the many community and youth leaders, faith leaders, organizations, and artists who joined us tonight. We are grateful for their ongoing work to preserve, uplift, and celebrate Black history and culture in Ulster County.”

“Tonight’s celebration reminds us that Black history is not separate from American history — it is essential to it,”said Dina Suggs, Ulster County’s Chief Diversity Officer. “As we honor a century of Black History Month, we also recognize the ongoing responsibility to confront inequity, amplify voices too often unheard, and ensure that every resident of Ulster County feels seen, valued, and supported. This work continues well beyond February, and I’m proud to be part of a community committed to that mission.”

The evening concluded with the lighting of the Ulster County Office Building in red, green, and yellow — colors that will remain illuminated throughout February in honor of the history, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans. Refreshments were provided by Di Sweet Spot.