KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan issued a proclamation on February 1st at a ceremony outside the County Office Building, to honor the history of the county’s black communities and declare February 2022 Black History Month in Ulster County, with special recognition of this year’s Black History Month theme of Black Health and Wellness.
Ryan announced several actions planned to honor the achievements of black leaders and the community, then the County Office Building in Kingston was lit in red, yellow and green – traditional colors used to celebrate Black History Month.
“We recognize that in spite of the extraordinary achievements and contributions of the black community, racism and intolerance persist in our society, and we are committed to continue the fight for equality and to ensure justice for all people,” the county executive said. “I am proud to declare February 2022 Black History Month and call upon the residents of Ulster County to observe this month with respect for the history of, and significant contributions by our Black communities to the American experience.”
The county office building will feature a display of accomplishments entitled
Slavery in New York: It Happened Here with the centerpiece Sojourner Truth: From Slavery to Activism.
A second exhibit will be unveiled during Juneteenth. The exhibition is a collaboration between the County Clerk’s Office and the County Surrogate’s Court. Additional images relating to the life of Sojourner Truth will be on view at the Ulster County Surrogate’s Court on the third floor of the Ulster County Office Building. The courtroom is open to the public for viewing, by reservation, on Fridays. Contact nshultis@nycourts.gov to make a reservation.
“The archival material in the Clerk’s Office provides a lens into the past and highlights the struggles the Black community has endured for hundreds of years. Black History Month is the perfect opportunity to showcase some of these documents to the public, said County Clerk Nina Postupack.
“This is an historical moment in time for Ulster County, and it’s been a long time coming,” County Human Rights Commissioner Tyrone Wilson said. “The lighting of our County Office Building in honoring and acknowledging the contributions of people of color here in Ulster County past and present is so important. This moment shows humanity and solidarity amongst the people and hopefully a real sense of community coming together.”
On February 22nd, the Ulster County Restorative Justice Center will present Breaking the Cycle with featured guest Antwan Wakely, a formerly incarcerated person who will share how he broke the recidivism cycle. The program begins at 6 p.m. in person at the Restorative Justice Center, 733 Broadway in Kingston, and will be livestreamed @blackhistorymonthkingston on Facebook. Please register for in-person attendance by emailing kmap@co.ulster.ny.us.
