February is nationally designated as African-American History Month and here in the Town of Hempstead the event is being celebrated in Town Hall with an outstanding program to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the Nathan LH Bennett Pavilion. The festivities get underway at 3 p.m.

The theme of this year's celebration is "The Future of the Black Race: Where Do We Go From Here?' The program will include remarks from members of the Town Board including the first African-American Town Councilman Curtis Fisher. Hempstead Town Board Executive Assistant Rev. Charles Mallette will serve as keynote speaker.

Here in the 1990s, African-Americans have made tremendous strides in building our nation and keeping it great. Many new African-American judges have been elected to positions on the bench in Nassau County, and here in the Town of Hempstead, Councilman Fisher has been a hard-working representative for the minority community which he serves so admirably. More and more top positions in local government are being filled by African-Americans who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their jobs. It is truly a pleasure to be able to salute these valuable members of our community with this special event.

At the ceremonies, the audience will be entertained with the motivational music of the Rev. Willie Gasking. The hostess and MC of the event will be Nassau County Legislator Darlene Harris.

The celebration of African-American History Month will be enhanced by a major art exhibit in the lobby of Hempstead Town Hall prepared by the talented art students of Roosevelt High School. This is the third year that Roosevelt High School students have displayed their artistic creations here, and each year their paintings become more and more awe inspiring.

On behalf of all the members of the Hempstead Town Board, I call upon the residents of our township to join together in this time of reflection and appreciation for all the contributions of African-Americans. I would hope that all members of our community attend the festivities on Feb. 24 and pay tribute to the fantastic work that has been accomplished.