For Immediate Release

February 20, 2019

Bergen County Celebrates Black History Month

(Hackensack) – Last night, the County of Bergen hosted its annual Black History Month celebration. This year’s event recognized the national Black History Month theme “Black Migrations,” featuring remarks from the Honorable Felix R. Neals, retired New York Administrative Law Judge, and Junius Williams, the official historian of the city of Newark. Professor Reggie Pittman performed stunning trumpet renditions of the Negro National Anthem and the Star-Spangled Banner. Minister Fred Sullivan of the Mouth Olive Baptist Church offered an invocation. Reverend Dr. Edna Dismus, Vice Chair of the Bergen County African American Advisory Committee, opened the program, while Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco recognized Dr. Arnold Brown, retiring Chair of the African American Advisory Committee, for his years of service. The County recognized the 2019 Black History Month honorees: Nathaniel Briggs, Reverend Gregory Jerome Jackson, and Dr. Brown.  Freeholder David Ganz concluded the program and Minister Vickie Taylor of the Highway Holiness Church Ministries gave the benediction.