February is fast approaching and the Town of Hempstead is moving forward with its plans to celebrate the nationally designated African-American History month, with a program to be held at Town Hall in the Nathan LH Bennett Pavilion. The festivities get underway at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

The theme of this year's celebration is "Preparing Our Community for the New Millennium." The program will include remarks from members of the Town Board, including the first African-American Hempstead Town Councilman, Curtis E. Fisher; Cynthia Diaz-Wilson, an associate judge to the village justice in the Village of Hempstead; and assistant provost and executive director of the NOAH program at Hofstra University, will be the keynote speaker.

African-Americans have made tremendous strides in building our nation and keeping it great. African-Americans serve in top level positions in companies and corporations all across America. 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 an honor for me to be able to salute these valuable members of our community with this special event.

At the ceremonies, the audience will be entertained by BiLlee T and Marcia Pharr Thomas, who have combined spiritual forces as husband and wife and are presently in the contemporary Christian music ministry. Also performing will be the Universal Sound Gospel Quartet, as well as soloist Sally Thompson, who is the principal of the Prospect School in Hempstead. The host and master of ceremonies of the event will be Town of Hempstead executive assistant, Kendall Lampkin.

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 hope to be able to greet the many members of our community who attend the festivities on Feb. 23, and pay tribute to the fantastic work that has been accomplished.