VIDEO: Lakeview Celebrates Black History Month

From the iconic songs of Tina Turner and BB King to powerful gospel hymns, families gathered at the Lakeview Public Library Saturday to celebrate Black History Month through music.

They were both entertained and educated about the contributions of African Americans as they listened to performances by Dat Band featuring Lady Laura, Lakeview Girl Scout's Troop 2211, and the award-winning gospel choir, Voices of Virtue.

Nassau County Legis. Robert Troiano shared his thoughts on the importance of Black History Month, calling attention to a controversial viral video recently created by a white comedian (sporting black face paint) who interviewed African American students at Brigham Young University on their knowledge of Black History.

Troiano explained the content of the video but chose not to show it at the Feb. 11 program. Instead, he said, "I don't think [the comedian] did that out of a sense to be offensive or disrespectful to African Americans. He was doing it to make a point."

He added, "Carter Woodson was brilliant in deciding to have a Black/Negro history week, because he recognized that no one knew black history, including blacks. All anybody could do was talk about popular entertainers. We are more than that, we stand for more that, we have a brighter history...but we sometimes forget that in everyday discourse."

The audience was also inspired by an original speech written by Sarah Burroughs, a Lakeview teen who attends the Waldorf School in Garden City. 

Burroughs wrote, "Brother and sisters I inquire of you, 'Where are we now?' Yes, there are many of us in leadership positions from state representatives to the commander in chief...but friends, too many are yet ill-housed in success, ill-clad in purpose and ill-nourished with knowledge. It is our first and foremost concern and responsibility to rectify this. Let us unite, not against others, but for the sakes of others and ourselves. Let us stand together in solidatiry as one nation, under God, indivisible..."

Check out video highlights and photos above from Saturday's program.