Two groups honored at Black History Month event

The village of Freeport honored the Freeport-Roosevelt NAACP Youth Council and the Black Educators Committee for their outstanding contributions as part of its Black History Month Celebration Feb. 28 at the recreation center.

Led by Allois Douse, the youth council adviser and a psychiatric rehabilitation therapist, and Claretha Richardson, the committee president and a Spanish instructor at Freeport High School, the groups have been involved in a variety of community initiatives for years.

With over 50 members, the youth council has been addressing pressing issues facing the port and Roosevelt communities since its reactivation in 2019.

Douse, who led the effort to revive the once-defunct council, said, “When they told me we didn’t have a youth council, I said, how can that be? In order for the adult branch (of the NAACP) to survive, the youth must come up and take those positions. And if we’re not preparing them, the adult branch won’t survive.”

From advocating for early voter registration to organizing health fairs and supporting breast cancer awareness walks, the Youth Council has been busy under the leadership of Douse, a Freeport resident with children who have attended village schools.

Asked about the children’s response to being honored at the celebration, Douse said, “To be honest, they’re ecstatic. Finally they realize that people are noticing the work they’re doing in the community.”

One of the council members’ proudest moments was their participation in the Increase the Peace, End the Violence march in Roosevelt on Nov 4 of last year, when members walked from the Dunkin’ Donuts on Nassau Road in Roosevelt to Centennial Park to protest gang violence and crime and to promote unity and working together toward a common goal.

“It was done in a very peaceful and effective way,” said Haniyyah Myricks, 16, a junior at Freeport High School and the secretary at large of the council, highlighting the significance of teamwork and making connections.

Asked how she felt about being recognized at the celebration, Myricks said, “It makes me feel a great sense of gratitude and appreciation, and shows what we have done has paid off.

“It’s a really sweet moment to have,” she added. “And it also shows how teens and teenagers can actually make change in their community… no matter how young you are, you can still make a difference.”

“It’s about preparing them for the future,” Douse said. “We need to ensure that our youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead and effect change.”

The Black Educators Committee was also recognized for its efforts in providing scholarships, mentorships and training to those in need in the local community.

Richardson, who has been the president of the 100-member organization since 2016, told the Herald that it was established in 1968 as a response to social injustice and racial inequality at a time when race riots were common.

Richardson emphasized the organization’s commitment to diversity and equity, and to improving the educational landscape for all. The committee’s primary focus is on providing scholarships to graduating seniors and continuing educational support for scholarship recipients. It is also in the process of rolling out a workforce development program in conjunction with Molloy University.

And the committee has partnered with the youth council, collaborating on projects like Defining Moments, an initiative aimed at educating students about historical injustices such as redlining, a discriminatory practice in which financial services are withheld in neighborhoods favored by racial minorities.

Richardson underscored the significance of the committee’s work in bridging educational gaps and providing guidance to students of color.

“To receive this recognition, to know that your work is not in vain… and to be recognized for that diligence and resilience… I would almost say I’m without words,” she said, “because it is such a wonderful thing, and to be honored during my presidency is really fantastic.”

The committee will hold its annual Legends Ball on March 16, at Verdi’s in Westbury and can be contacted at info@blackeducatorscommittee.org.