Jets' 'Brick' Shares Success Tips With Malverne Students

New York Jets offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson visited students at last week to take part in a celebration of Black History.

Ferguson, who grew up in nearby Freeport, shared his life story and imparted some useful advice with the students gathered inside the high school gymnasium for the assembly.

“Every one of you is talented and valuable,” he told them. “It’s important to find a challenging passion. Surround yourself with people who will be honest with you and push you in the right direction, and don’t quit when the going gets tough. And finally show your gratitude to the people who have made an impact on your life through your actions as well as your words.” 

Ferguson then went on to thank Malverne High School Principal James Brown for the positive effect that he had on him while growing up. Brown had been a faculty member of the Freeport school district when Ferguson was a young teen and to show his gratitude, Ferguson made Brown a central character in a children's book he created.

Ferguson's guest appearance was part of a Black History Month celebration that included music, poetry, dance and a video presentation. The ceremony kicked off with the singing of the Black National Anthem. The Black Studies Club screened a video that they had produced for the occasion, interviewing students and staff about what Black History Month means to them, and who inspires them to greatness.

Students then presented a dramatic reading of Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise.” They also held a three-part performance that illustrated the evolution of dance, with the Malverne High School cheerleaders performing a step dance, followed by two other student groups who performed an African dance and a jazz dance.

The celebration concluded with the screening of an MSG video entitled “What Does Black History Mean to You?”

Click through the gallery above to see photos from the event.