Rockland Legislature Celebrates Black History Month

from the Rockland County Legislature

Rockland County Legislator Toney L. Earl led a celebration of Black History Month by recognizing the achievements and service of three residents – Carolynn Julien, Dennis McGloster and Christian Sampson.

“We are fortunate that Carolynn Julien, Dennis McGloster and Christian Sampson call Rockland County their home,” Legislator Earl said. “They have devoted their lives to improving the lives of so many others and we are blessed to call them our neighbors and friends.”

The ceremony included a musical presentation by trumpeter Brandon Hunt, who offered his rendition of Lift Every Voice, often referred to as the Black National Anthem.

Legislator Earl, who conducted the ceremony on behalf of the entire 17-member legislature, was joined at the podium by Legislator Dana Stilley, the first Black woman elected to the Rockland County Legislature, and by Legislator Aney Paul.

Guests included Spring Valley NAACP President Willie Trotman and Nyack NAACP President Nicole Hines and many other community members.

Each honoree was presented with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their outstanding efforts and community service. The Distinguished Service Award is the Legislature’s highest honor.

• Dr. Carolynn Julien, the Executive Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs at Farleigh Dickinson University, is a respected leader, coach, and mentor in Rockland County. She is the creator of the Ramapo High School Mentoring Group, aiming to guide young women through the college process, expose them to cultural arts, and provide support during their transition into womanhood. Dr. Julien is actively involved in various organizations, including the Spring Valley NAACP, Rockland County Youth Bureau, and African American Historical Society, and serves as the president of the Rockland Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. Dr. Julien leads the sorority with a focus on building and maintaining meaningful partnerships among organizations here in Rockland.
• Dennis McGloster is the founder of the Rockland Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Under his leadership the chapter has executed impactful community enrichment programs, such as the “Acts of Kindness” Program, which provides groceries for families in need, and the Rockland Omega Academy, a mentoring and rites of passage program for young men. Additionally, he established the Rockland Community Development Foundation. The foundation is a 501C3 that provides the tuition for children to attend The St. Thomas Aquinas STEM Camp. His unyielding commitment to serving others has led Dennis to assist 30 organizations in obtaining their 501C3 status.
• Christian Sampson, retired Town Clerk and Registrar of Vital Statistics for the Town of Ramapo, served for 24 years. His leadership extends to roles as president and treasurer of the East Ramapo Central School District Board and chairman of the local Government Records Advisory Council. Chris is an esteemed member of Omega Psi Fraternity and has held presidencies on the boards of Rockland County YMCA, Legal Aid Society, and the Susan G. and Edmund Gordon Community Organization. Chris holds an MBA in Executive Management from Pace University.
• Established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of African Americans. The Rockland County Legislature conducts a special celebration every February.

Just minutes after the celebration concluded, Katherine “Kat” Dely stepped forward to deliver the invocation at the start of the board’s regular meeting.

The 8th grader flawlessly delivered “An Ode We Owe,” an inspiring poem focused on issues important to young people — and Rocklanders of all ages – including climate change, equality, and economic justice.

Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson invited Katherine to participate. Davidson believed the poem was a fitting kickoff to Black History Month and a way to involve youth in calling for climate action. Legislator Davidson chairs the Environmental Committee.

Katherine attends Nyack Middle School, where she is a member of the marching band, and is also an actress. She’ll be in Nyack DramaWorks’ production of High School Musical 2 next month.

“Katherine did a fantastic job and inspired everyone in the room,” Legislator Davidson said. “Her voice will be heard by other youth and will help lend urgency to the fight for environmental justice.”

The duo spent time in advance of Tuesday’s meeting discussing the poem, its meaning and its potential significance to the generation that will bear the brunt of the climate crisis in the coming decades.

The poem was written by Amanda S.C. Gorman, the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. Gorman first gained wide public attention when she read her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at President Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

In 2022, Gorman delivered “An Ode We Owe” to the United Nations General Assembly. The poem concludes, “To anyone out there: I only ask that you care before it’s too late, That you live aware and awake, That you lead with love in hours of hate. I challenge you to heed this call, I dare you to shape our fate. Above all, I dare you to do good. So that the world might be great.”