Forty – five years ago President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Since then, we have celebrated Black History Month by honoring African Americans who have made a difference in their communities, the nation and/or the world and remembering the people who dedicated their lives to the purist of equality and freedom.
Feb. 22, 2021 saw the Village of Haverstraw begin an annual tradition of acknowledging Black History Month by honoring members of it’s own community, starting with Virginia (Ginny) Norfleet. Northfleet’s nomination was originally proposed by Village Trustee Gil Carlevarro.