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On February 21, 2026, the Berea Nyack SDA Church hosted the 2026 Black History Month Celebration centered on the theme “Learning, Faith, Heroes, HBCU’s: A Tribute to True Education.” The program was hosted by the Education Home & School Department Leaders Angella Barrett, Sandra Oates-Grant,and Eunice Turnbull in partnership with the Adventist Youth Ministries and Women’s Ministries.

The evening began with the singing of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” performed by Nate Durand of Teaneck Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Youth performed an original skit, by community leader Drusilla Kinzoni, entitled “A Tribute to Education" which featured well-known poems by Langston Hughes, Betty Gates, and Gwendolyn Brooks, highlighting the enduring push to educate and uplift the Black mind.

Guest speaker Dr. Brandon McLaughlin, pastor of St. Charles AME Zion Church and a professor of African American Studies, shared an inspiring message about the power of Black intellect , education and the historic significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in shaping American history.

The program concluded with presentations from the Berea Nyack Seventh Day church’s youth and representatives from youth organizations including Jack and Jill of America in Rockland County and Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers from Chestnut Ridge Middle School. Students educated the community through research presentations and tri fold displays highlighting selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities and famous alumni. 

Christopher Tullock, Enrollment Director -Oakwood University, and Bill Hohlfeld S- SUNY  Rockland Community College’s Reconnect Program also spoke with attendees encouraging older adults in the community to consider the possibilities of returning to college while Tullock highlighted scholarship opportunities and flexible pathways available to help make higher education more accessible.

The celebration was outreach to connect with outside organizations but also served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices, determination, and vision that have made HBCUs pillars of educational opportunity and cultural pride within the African American community.