For Immediate Release

YONKERS, NY — Last night, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16) held a Black History Month Town Hall at Yonkers Riverfront Library with nearly 100 NY-16 constituents in attendance. The town hall included musical and dance performances, remarks by Congressman Bowman about the importance of Black history, the recognition of NY-16 organizations advocating for racial justice, and a public policy activity for attendees. The event sparked interactive discussions about the legacy of slavery, the fight for reparations, and the needs of Black Americans moving forward. See the event photos here.

“Without knowledge of ourselves, we can never move forward," said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16) in his opening remarks to attendees. “Without knowledge of ourselves and knowledge of our history, we can never properly nurture and impact our children. Without knowledge of ourselves, we will never be fully liberated as a people, not just in body, not just economically, but in our minds. Once our minds are liberated, we can build a world rooted in peace, love, equality and humanity for all people. That is our goal.” 

Congressman Bowman also presented the following NY-16 community organizations with Congressional Proclamations in recognition of their racial justice work:

• The Yonkers African American Heritage Committee

• The Yonkers and Port Chester/Rye branches of the NAACP 

• The Yonkers and White Plains branches of the YWCA, and 

• Yonkers and New Rochelle chapters of My Brother’s Keeper

Cecilia Tucker Myers and Brian Allen performed musical selections with historical ties to Black liberation. They were followed by a lively African dance performance by a group of local youth who invited audience members to dance with them on stage, including Congressman Bowman.

Following the program, attendees participated in an interactive public policy activity where they voted on proposals to address key racial justice issues and shared their thoughts, experiences, and ideas.

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