In the David B. Gates II auditorium of Hempstead High School, Hempstead-born educator and village trustee Noah Burroughs raised his hand to be sworn in as the New York State Assemblyman for District 18 on Jan. 10.
Burroughs intentionally scheduled his celebration for 2:00 p.m. so that students could attend.
Emcee Jeffrey Daniels, who is Deputy Mayor of Hempstead, opened the ceremony by jokingly telling the students present that Burroughs didn’t want the students “playing the dozens and crackin’ on each other” during the event.
“He said, Jeff, just give me two hours,” Daniels said, smiling. “And you know what? The clock is on!”
The students laughed and applauded along with the family, friends, elected officials, and local dignitaries that crowded the seats.
From the Presentation of Colors by the Hempstead High School JROTC, to the Pledge of Allegiance led by Burroughs’ nephew, Prince Pegues, and the National Anthem sung by Hempstead High student Rahsaan Cruse, Jr., the program continued with significant roles filled by locals.
Rev. Wendy Brown-Rashad’s flawless rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” held the listeners in rapt silence. The invocation was prayed by two clergy, Bishop Frank A. White of Freeport’s Zion Cathedral (Church of God in Christ) and Imam Mufti Farhan, executive director of the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury.
Former Deputy Mayor of Freeport Carmen J. Piñeyro spoke the general welcome in both English and Spanish, acknowledging the 74.8 percent of Hempstead students who identify as Hispanic or Latino.
“He’s going to go to Albany,” said Piñeyro, “and bring new policies and new procedures that will enhance the quality of life of each and every resident of the 18th Assembly District.”
Longtime village official Samantha Fountain called out the many dignitaries who were attending to support Burroughs, such as former Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper and Andrena Wyatt of the New Hempstead Democratic Club.
Daniels then introduced special guest speaker Letitia James, state attorney general.
James specifically addressed the need for men and women of color in government. Directing her remarks to the students, she said, “Noah [Burroughs], and Kwani [O’Pharrow, A.D. 11], and Clyde [Vanel, A.D. 33], and all these young men of color who are now serving in leadership positions throughout the State of New York … these are individuals who are going to focus on criminal justice reform, educational reform, economic development reform.”
Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr., under whom Burroughs has served as village trustee since 2021, listed some of the achievements of the current village administration, including significant funding for roads and infrastructure.
“When you walk in a room,” Hobbs admonished the students in the audience, “you don’t beg, you demand … what’s right for our community.”
Hobbs then introduced U.S. Senator Schumer.
“Noah Burroughs understood that education was the pathway to a better future,” Schumer said. “And as an educator, he showed this pathway to his students, sharing the same lessons his parents taught him.”
After stirring words from Legislator Scott Davis, Hempstead School Superintendent Susan Johnson, Hempstead School Board President Victor Pratt, Adriel Macario (a former student of Burroughs), and Norris Knight (Burroughs’ father), the Hempstead High Chorale, directed by Rachel Blackburn, performed a lovely acapella rendition of “This Little Light of Mine.”
Former governor David A. Paterson administered the oath of office to Burroughs, whose mother, Barbara Burroughs, held the Bible on which he placed his right hand.
The new assemblyman then expressed his pleasure at seeing his former students participating in the occasion.
He credited his parents, teachers, and coaches for instilling in him the principles of steadfast, truthful service.
“You have to work together,” Burroughs said. “My goals now are to bring back resources, bring back the Village of Hempstead, bring back the Village of Freeport, bring back Uniondale, bring back Roosevelt, bring back West Hempstead and Lakeview.”
Rev. Craig J. Wright, Director of Social Action for the First Episcopal District of the AME Church, prayed the benediction, referring to Burroughs’ experiences as a pro football player, a history teacher and coach in Hempstead, and a village trustee as qualifications for his broader role in Albany.