Carver Center Black History Celebration - Honoring a Life and Legacy Never to be Forgotten

The Port Chester Carver Center dedicated its annual Black History celebration to honor the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.  The event, held at Carver Center on February 25, was a celebration of the late President of South Africa and of the contributions of African-Americans to the history and culture of the United States.

Children from Carver’s after school program performed poems and songs in front of a live audience comprised of family, friends, Carver board members, Port Chester community leaders and members of the NAACP.  The children’s performances included “All You Need is Love”, by the Beatles, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, “We Are The World” and “Don’t Give Up”, by Bruno Mars.  Each group concentrated on a specific value Nelson Mandela live by and modeled for the world.  The values included, love, courage, compassion, commitment, peace and leadership.  The Port Chester Unity Boys recited the poem Invictus - by William Ernest Henley as a tribute to Mr. Mandela.  Carver’s new children’s choir director, Crystal Cromartie sang a solo. 

Jacqueline Pezzullo, Carver Center’s Director of Youth Programs had this to say about the event, “Although unfortunate, Nelson Mandela’s passing was also a perfect teachable moment for the children in our after school program.  The children learned about his life and legacy and celebrated all the great lessons he taught the world; peace, commitment, courage and equality.”

The community enjoyed dinner following the performances.  Dinner was prepared by Carver’s Kids Cafe Chef.  Dinner featured chicken, collard greens, baked macaroni and cheese, red velvet cake.

Carver Center is the primary community-based organization in the village of Port Chester, NY. Since 1943, Carver Center has been promoting educational, recreational, cultural and civic services for pre-school children, youth and adults, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of underprivileged youth. The Center offers programs and resources to the meet these needs. For more information about the Carver Center, please call 914.305-6012 or visit our website, www.carvercenter.org.