Overview
Each year, the Department of Human Services recognizes various community leaders and residents during three recognition programs which include Black History Month, Women's History Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month. The community is invited to attend all of these special events which include music, entertainment, cultural enrichment, and specialty products from local businesses. Each program offers students from surrounding schools the opportunity to participate by submitting artwork, writing essays, or being featured in the program. Please call 631-464-4340 ext. 200 for further information.
Black History Month Program
The 34th annual Black History Month Program was hosted on Thursday, February 24, 2022. The 2022 program theme was "Black Health & Wellness," and featured keynote speaker Dr. Tia Knight-Forbes, owner of ITAV-NP Family Health PLLC.
2022 Honorees:
- Cheryl Mchunguzi, LMSW RMP - Special Recognition Award
- Dr. Gregson Pigott, Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Health - Special Recognition Award
- Payton Lewis, 4th grade students - Youth Award
Watch the 34th Annual Black History Month Program
Women's History Month Program
The 33rd annual Women's History Month Program was hosted on Thursday, March 31, 2022. The 2022 program theme was "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope," and featured keynote speaker psychotherapist Cheryl Mchunguzi, LMSW RMT.
2022 Honorees:
- Jeanne Gargiulo, nurse for Northwell Health - Special Recognition Award
- Kaitlin Riordan, EMT/firefighter for Deer Park Fire Department - Special Recognition Award
- Lenore Brathwaite, Commander for Hunter Squires Jackson American Legion Post 1218 - Special Recognition Award
- Lisa Donnelly, nurse at Plainview Hospital - Special Recognition Award
Watch the 33rd Annual Women's History Month Program
Hispanic Heritage Month Program
The 23rd annual Hispanic Heritage Month Program was hosted on Tuesday, October 12, 2022. The 2021 program theme was "Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope," and featured keynote speaker Milagros Soto, Deputy Chief for the Internal Affairs Bureau at the Suffolk County Police Department.
2021 Honorees:
- Jaheim Garcia, senior at Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School - Youth Award
- Michael Gonzalez, Director of Trading for Conquest Capital LLC - Special Recognition Award
- Christina Labrador, entertainer, singer-songwriter and activist - Special Recognition Award
- Christopher Valencia, student, John F. Kennedy Elementary School - Youth Award
Watch the 23rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Program
A date and time for the 2022 Hispanic Heritage Program will be announced in the fall.