On Thursday, February 16th, Walt Whitman High School hosted their annual celebration of Black History Month. Each year, the South Huntington School District delegates an evening for special presentations and performances showcasing our rich African American history, and this year, this event was expanded to encompass the Town of Huntington. The collaboration of the Huntington and South Huntington school districts turned out to be quite successful, highlighting our beautiful community and honoring African American influences throughout history.
Walt Whitman’s Performing Arts Center was packed with guests ready to enjoy the evening of performances and celebrate our guests of honor. This year’s honorees were Major General Joseph A. McNeil, a member of the “Greensboro Four” from the historic Woolworth Sit-In, and Irene Moore, Chair of the Town of Huntington’s African American Historic Designation Council. The evening’s keynote speaker was South Huntington’s very own Dr. Gay Bullock, sixth grade teacher of social studies at Silas Wood 6th Grade Center.
Seeing students from both South Huntington and Huntington school districts created a truly beautiful community partnership. The night of celebration began with the singing of the National Anthem by WWHS 10th grader, Brielle Brown, followed by the singing of the Negro National Anthem by The Huntington High School Chamber Choir. A number of poetry and song recitations were performed by our district’s elementary students, as well as the presentation by Birchwood with artwork inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Huntington School District students presented a well-produced video of their interview with honoree Joseph A. McNeil. The video featured the Major General describing his experience as one of the original four Black college freshmen who took part in the Woolworth sit-in on February 1, 1960 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He, along with Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr. and David Richmond, were refused service at a “whites-only” lunch counter and after peacefully remaining in their seats, their effort inspired sit-in movements across 55 cities in 13 states. By July 25th, 1960, the Greensboro Woolworth lunch counter was finally integrated.
The evening also included musical performances by the Voices of Huntington and a powerful dance performance by 3D Dance Studio. Whitman’s Step Team and Kickats also took to the PAC stage to showcase their talents before the benediction of Reverend Timothy Flythe from the Faith Missionary Baptist Church.
After a powerful keynote speech from Dr. Bullock and the presentation of awards from local and state politicians recognizing her and honoree Irene Moore, guests were invited to the high school’s South Gym for a delicious dinner provided by Chef Craig from Colors Catering and the South Huntington School Nutrition Services.
WWHS 10th grader, Brielle Brown (top), singing the National Anthem, followed by the singing of the Negro National Anthem by The Huntington High School Chamber Choir (bottom).
Countrywood students took turns reciting Amanda Gordon's poem/song.
Members from 3D Dance Studio performing beautiful dance pieces.
Oakwood Primary students joined with Silas Wood sixth-graders for the singing, and signing, of "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.
Walt Whitman's Step Team (top) and Kickats (bottom) performances.
Local dignitaries and state politicians gave congratulations and proclamations to this year's honoree, Irene Moore, and keynote speaker, Dr. Bullock.
Guests were invited to Walt Whitman's South Gym after the presentation to enjoy dinner and desserts provided by Colors Catering and the South Huntington School Nutrition Services.
Honoree, Major General Joseph Alfred McNeil
Joseph Alfred McNeil is one of the original four who took part in the Woolworth sit-in on February 1, 1960 in Greensboro, North Carolina. "Joseph Alfred McNeil was born in 1942 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He graduated from Williston Senior High School in 1959 and matriculated at North Carolina A&T State University on a full scholarship. McNeil and three other A&T freshmen, now known as the "Greensboro Four," are credited with initiating the sit-in movement when they sat down at the F. W. Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro on February 1, 1960 and requested service. McNeil then became involved in the formation of the Student Executive Committee for Justice, a student group created in response to the sit-ins. He also participated in negotiations between student protestors, Woolworth's management, and the Human Relations Commission. McNeil, who was also in ROTC, graduated in 1963 with a degree in engineering physics and was immediately commissioned by the U.S. Air Force. In 1967, McNeil married the former Ina Brown, whom he met while stationed in South Dakota. He also served as a navigator off the Vietnamese Coast during six years of active duty in the Air Force. After working briefly as an investment banker, McNeil joined the Federal Aviation Administration but remained in the Air Force Reserve. In 2000, he retired from the Air Force Reserve with the rank of major general. Two years later he also retired from the Federal Aviation Administration, which he served for over 15 years as head of the Flight Standards Division for the Eastern Region in Jamaica, New York. Following retirement, McNeil remained involved in numerous civic activities and community organizations in Hempstead, New York. McNeil and the other members of the Greensboro Four received honorary doctorates in 1994 from North Carolina A&T State University for their role in the civil rights movement. McNeil also received an honorary doctorate in 1998 from St. John's University." --From Greensboro VOICES Biography, "McNeil, Joseph ("(Joseph Alfred)")"
History of the Greensboro Four - Protesting Against Segregation at Lunch Counters
On February 1st, 1960, four Black college freshmen, Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr. and David Richmond sat down at a "whites-only" Woolworth's lunch Counter in Greensboro, North Carolina and asked for service. They were refused service and were sug- gested they order a take-out meal from the "stand-up" counter. The four students refused to budge at the suggestion and when asked to leave by a manager they did not move. The four students also did not give up their seats when a police officer arrived and slapped his nightstick against his hand directly behind them. After remaining in their seats peacefully and quietly, the staff was unsure on how to enforce their "whites-only" rule; forcing the manager to close the store early.
This was a small victory for the four young men from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. This effort inspired sit-in movements across 55 cities in 13 states. The Greensboro sit-in wasn't a random act of rebellion, but the result of months of planning. These four students had received guidance from mentor activists and collaborated with students at Greensboro's all-women's Bennett College. Inspirations also derived from civil rights causes of years earlier, which include the 1955 lynching of Emmett Till and the Montgomery bus boycott.
After a trip to New York in 1959, Joseph McNeil resolved to integrate lunch counters. New York was a city where Mr. McNeil did not encounter Jim Crow laws. Upon his return to North Carolina, the Greensboro Trailways Bus Terminal Café denied him service at their lunch counter, making him determined to fight segregation. This year the four students participated in NAACP meetings at Bennett College, where they collaborated with women students known as the Bennett Belles on a plan. In order for this event to get attention, they arranged for Ralph Johns, a white businessman and activist, to alert the press about their plan.
By July 25th, 1960, the Greensboro Woolworth lunch counter was finally integrated.
Honoree, Irene Moore
Moving to Long Island in the early 1970s, Irene Moore has been a dedicated member of the Huntington community for several decades. Always active, Irene is currently involved in the leadership of several local organizations:
Irene joined the NAACP Huntington Branch in the early 1980s and has tirelessly served the organization in various capacities throughout the years. A gold tier Life Member and former First Vice President, Irene currently serves on the Executive Committee and chairs the Housing Committee.
• Chair, the Town of Huntington African American Historic Designation Council.
• Vice Chair of the newly created Huntington African American Museum.
• First Vice President, Gateway Community Garden's Board of Directors.
• Advisory Board, Preservation Long Island - Jupiter Hammon Project.
• Member of the Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as Deaconess, Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School, and President of the Floral Club.
A proven leader, Irene served for many years on the Board of Directors of her housing community, including a year as President, and two years as its First Vice President. She is a beloved mentor and college advisor to several of the youth in the community. Irene is a former Second Vice President of the Huntington Historical Society's Board of Trustees. She is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Hun- tington, a nine-month leadership development program for civic-minded Huntington residents.
Impressively, throughout her many years of community service, Irene was a full-time working mother and wife. After more than thirty years of dedicated service, Irene retired from Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. At Medgar Evers, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the students. Irene retired as the director of Academic Warning, Probation and Dismissal Programs/Adjunct Professor. She also served for many years as a board member and First Vice President of the Medgar Evers College Alumni Association.
Irene graduated with honors from Medgar Evers College, CUNY, with a B.S. degree in Business Administration, and from Baruch College, with a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Development.
Irene is a native of Forest Home, Alabama. She is the wife of the late Walter Moore, her husband for over 37 years. She is the proud mother of Chantel Moore, Esq., and Julian J. Moore, Esq., Partner, Allen and Overy LLP. Mrs. Moore resides in the Township of Huntington, New York.
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Gay Bullock
Dr. Bullock is a sixth grade teacher of social studies at Silas Wood 6th Grade Center in the South Huntington School District. She has served as vice president of academic affairs and online instruction for Barber-Scotia College, which is home to Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. She was an adjunct professor at Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) and New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). Dr. Bullock's love of learning and commitment to education goes beyond the classroom. She is co-creator and coordinator of Phenomenal Women of Power Breakfast, Call Me Sir Conference and the Intellectual Entrepreneurship: The Business of Schools Conference. She is published. Among her titles are: "Phenomenal Women Who Shape Modern Life," "Racing to the Top: Coaching Students to Academic Success," and "Parallel Engagement Between Teacher and Student is Paramount to Increasing Achievement Levels."
Dr. Bullock's professional affiliations include: American Federation of Teachers, United Federation of Teachers, Association of American Educators, National Education Association and Phi Delta Kappa. Her social affiliations consist of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Ivy Foundation of Suffolk/Nassau Counties Inc., The Circle-Lets, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated.
Dr. Bullock has a range of philanthropic interests. She gave time and treasure to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Hofstra Medical Scholars Pipeline Program, Habitat for Humanity Women Who Build, Alpha Sigma Boule Foundation and NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics).
Dr. Bullock received numerous citations and recognitions, such as Mentor Recognition Citations from Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medical Pipeline Program, Audrey Cohen Founder's Award from Metropolitan College of New York, Silas Wood Teacher of the Year, Citation Award from N.Y.S. Assembly, the Community Service and Philanthropy Award from Metropolitan College of New York, Black History Maker Recognition from Congressman Steve Israel, and Certificates of Appreciation from Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, Islip Town Board, Town of Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone, Senator Carl L. Marcello and James Conte. She was awarded the Barber-Scotia College (HBCU), President's Visionary Award.
Dr. Bullock is a national record holder in track and field and 3 time All-American. She was recently inducted into the Nassau County Athletic Hall of Fame for high school athletic accomplishments. Dr. Bullock is the assistant coach for the girls track team at Walt Whitman High School.
Dr. Bullock earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from State University at Old Westbury, master of science degree in Instructional Technology from New York Institute of Technology, master of science degree in leadership from College of New Rochelle and a Doctorate of Educa- tion from St. John's University. She completed postdoctoral studies in leadership at the Graduate School of Education, Harvard University.