25th Annual Black History Month Celebration – Tonight

An address by a distinguished minister and a performance by well-known local jazz trio will highlight the Town of Huntington’s 25^th Annual  Black History Month Celebration on Thursday, Feb.2 at 7 p.m.

 The Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Jordan, who is on the ministerial staff of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Huntington and Dean of Academic Support Services at Dowling College, will deliver the keynote address. For over 30 years, Reverend Kevin, as he is affectionately known, has been actively involved in ministry, promoting the value of self-respect, self-confidence, and self-love as the basis for individual greatness.

 Dr. Jordan is a product of the Huntington and Elwood School systems who holds degrees from Princeton University in psychology and African American studies, Union Theological Seminary in practical theology and a doctorate in Education Administration Leadership and Technology from Dowling College.  He is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

 In recognition of his outstanding work with at-risk populations, Dowling College, in addition to his role as Dean, asked him to serve as Acting Director of its Higher Education Opportunity Program. This program is a partnership with the New York State Department of Education designed to recruit, admit, and graduate under represented populations.  He also serves as Administrative Adjunct Assistant Professor of Human Development and Learning and teaches research methodology in the Graduate School of Education at Dowling. He has been cited in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and Who’s Who in Business.

 He is also president and CEO of KDJM, an international ministry that promotes Christian growth and community. Both his clerical and secular duties have afforded him to speak internationally at conferences and conventions as he promotes the cries of life-long learning, social justice and Christian love.   

 Entertainment at the celebration will be provided by the Michael Jazz Trio: brothers Matthew, David and Jordan Godfrey. The Godfrey brothers, who hail from Central Islip, play at a level that belies their tender ages (Oldest brother Matthew, the keyboardist, is 17 years old; sax player David is 15 and Jordan, 11, keeps the beat on the drums).  They have brought the musical sway of sensual, seductive rhythms and the masterful moderation of upbeat tempos to locations throughout the community, as well as to the Apollo Theater and the Friars Club in Manhattan.

The celebration, which will be held at Town Hall, will also include refreshments. The public is welcome to attend. For further information, contact Denise Williams, Director of Minority Affairs, (631) 351-2842, dwilliams@huntingtonny.gov