"At the Table" will be the theme of a Black History Month program hosted by Niagara County Legislator Owen T. Steed, D-Niagara Falls, the lawmaker announced. The event - set for the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 17 - will include a meal, discussion, and remarks by the Rev. Dion Greer of St. Johns A.M.E. Church.
Steed called the annual observation of Black History Month "a cornerstone of community understanding."
"Black History Month was first recognized during the U.S. bicentennial in 1976, and that was appropriate, because it served as a reminder that African Americans had been a vital part of our national story from the beginning - in adversity and triumph," Steed said. "We want to give anyone who wants to listen a chance to hear the perspective of the black community, and how our unique experience in places like Niagara Falls has shaped us and our nation."
Steed, currently the only African American in the Niagara County Legislature, said he'd chosen the theme of "At the Table" because it was both literal - "We'll be breaking bread together" - and figurative. "The African American story has long been about seeking an equal place, a seat at the table, and the respect that comes with it. Rev. Greer will offer us some perspective on what is still an ongoing struggle."
The Black History Month celebration runs from 3-6 p.m. Feb. 17 at the
Doris Jones Family Resource Center, 3001 9th St. Sponsors include the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Williamson Funeral Home, Niagara Falls Chapter of
The Links Inc., Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Mayor Paul A. Dyster, Community Health Center of Niagara, Cancemi Furniture, Attorney Nicholas A. Pelosino, the Elks Lodge and Liz's Catering.
