February 1st marks the beginning of Black History Month in the United States. It is a time for all Americans to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. The month recognizes their central role in American history.

Black History Month was created by twentieth-century historian Carter Woodson, who believed black Americans were not adequately represented in the study of American history. Carter Woodson hoped for the day when black history would be accepted as a part of American history. Formerly known as Negro History Week, Black History Month was officially declared by President Gerald Ford in 1976.

In celebration of the ideals surrounding this celebration The Village of Ossining, in partnership with Bethany Arts Community, Sing Sing Prison Museum, the Ossining Union Free School District, and the Ossining Public Library is participating in several events throughout the community. Following is a brief list of those events as well as how the public can participate both in person and virtually.
For those of you hosting events in and around Ossining that you’d like shared with the community, please send your information to webblast@villageofossining.org by noon on Wednesdays for inclusion in the Weekly Web Blast, where there will be a section dedicated to these events.
February 6
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Curated by Joyce Sharrock Cole,
Ossining Village Historian
To commemorate Black History Month, Ossining Black History & Culture will honor over 190 years of economic, social, spiritual, political and education contributions made by the African American community of the Village of Ossining.

There is an absence of documented history and lore of the Ossining black community. This exhibit reveals an unseen glimpse into local black culture. Through their drive, resilience, and perseverance, the black community has been an integral component of the growth and prosperity of Ossining, laying foundations that we still benefit from today. Highlighting and amplifying their contributions (spanning two centuries), this exhibit will acknowledge the challenges they faced, celebrate their triumphs, and recognize their commitment to the Ossining community. Thought-provoking, eye-opening, and inspirational, Ossining Black History & Culture is an effort to connect, empathize, and honor the generations of black citizens that broke through barriers to benefit the community of Ossining as a whole.

The photographs and ephemera were loaned/donated by the black community of Ossining past and present.

Gallery Hours:
  • Monday – Friday (10am-12pm & 1pm-4pm)
  • Saturday Feb 6 (opening) (10am – 2pm)
  • Saturday Feb 20 (10am – 2pm)
  • Wednesday Feb 17 additional evening hours (5pm – 8pm)
The year was 1979, and the group The Separate 5 MCs was formed. They consisted of DJ Table Wizard Spinny Spin aka Roosevelt Keemer, Little Tee aka Spencer Thomas, Mic Master Gee aka Wayne Gillespie, and Dazzy Dee aka Daniel Hawkins (known as the Jazzy 3 emcees). In addition to the Jazzy 3, MC Drew Za B, aka Andrew Bazemore, and Lord K Whan, aka Stephen Daniels, formed the group - The Separate 5 MCs. As the Separate 5, they performed at Ossining High School events, including the African-American Day Festival, amongst other venues.
Join Village of Ossining historian Joyce Cole for an engaging look at the historic stories of Black residents in this Westchester County (NY) town.

Ossining's story as a home is often overlooked because of Sing Sing Prison's presence, and this month we take a look at the prominent stories of the town's Black community. Join us for a look at the histories of business owners, women leaders, and those that have been employed by the prison.
February 19
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
The term Harlem Renaissance refers to the prolific flowering of literary, visual, and musical arts within the African American community that emerged around 1920 in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. The visual arts were one component of a rich cultural development, including many interdisciplinary collaborations, where artists worked closely with writers, publishers, playwrights, and musicians. There was no single style that defined the Harlem Renaissance. Rather, artists found different ways to celebrate African American culture and identity and historical links that dignified and expanded the history of the African American experience.
February 20
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Ted Daniel is an American jazz trumpeter and composer.

He studied trumpet in elementary school, and began his professional career playing local gigs with his childhood friend, the legendary guitarist Sonny Sharrock. Daniel briefly attended Berklee School of Music and Southern Illinois University, before joining the army. In 1966, Daniel was drafted in the army, and served with the 9th and 25th Infantry DivisionBands in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam during the Vietnam War.[2] After his discharge from the Army in 1968, Daniel attended Central State College, Ohio, on a full music scholarship, where he met and studied with Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre. After a year, Daniel returned to New York City and eventually received a bachelor of music degree in theory and composition from the City College of New York. Daniel had begun his recording career while studying in Ohio. He returned briefly to New York to record Sonny Sharrock’s first album Black Woman. His second recording was with a band he co-led (Brute Force) with his brother, Richard Daniel. The recording was entitled Brute Force on the Embryolabel, produced by Herbie Mann. Since then, Daniel has participated in more than 30 published recordings with such artists as: Archie Shepp, Dewey Redman, Andrew Cyrille, Sam Rivers, Billy Bang and Henry Threadgill.
As a teenager Diana Lemon had been headed down the wrong path when she entered a music program for New York’s at-risk youth that encouraged her to write and rap about the issues affecting her life. Join us as she walks us through her life-changing experiences in the program and the stars she worked with along the way.
February 27
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sister Songs:
Pandemic Reflections
When the world locked down, life’s day to day distractions diminished. Existential questions arose with new license to frighten, inspire, inform and bemuse. The Sister Songs are a collection of brand new works from singer-songwriter KJ Denhert, reflecting the voices and music of her rich past. Growing up as a first – generation American with parents from the island of Grenada, she shares stories of love, loss and hope.

About KJ Denhert
KJ Denhert is an award-winning songwriter, guitarist, vocalist and bandleader living in Ossining, New York. She is a consummate artist with a rich history; a legend of Urban Folk & Jazz who channels a wide range of influences to create something completely unique. She performs regularly in New York and around the world and has shared stages with internationally renowned jazz and pop musicians such as GRAMMY Award winners Alicia Keys, Roberta Flack and many more. KJ has a residency at The 55 Bar in New York City’s West Village performing with her all-star band when she is not touring. She has released 10 albums including her latest “Destiny”, and is at work on 3 new original projects set for 2018-19. Learn more at kjdenhert.com.