By Journalist Dr. Ms. Jones
NEWBURGH – On Monday, February 24th NFA’s Black History Club held an assembly honoring African American culture at NFA’s Main Campus. It featured The ROTC Color Guard and Exhibition Team, The NFA Dance Department, and The Royalty Praise Dancers.
The Newburgh Performing Arts Academy lit up the stage with their rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl Half-Time Performance!
“I’m so impressed. You always hear the negative narratives, but when you come to programs like this and you see our young people showing out, showing up, and just showing the people that they really are a great group of young individuals, so talented, so resourceful. I just celebrate them… I hope and I want this to be the narrative… This should be the narrative of our young people,” said Newburgh Enlarged City School District Board Of Education Member Philip Howard.
Black History Club Staff Advisor Ada Freeman (right) presented Rosella Best-Woody (left) with a Certificate of Recognition at NFA’s Black History Club assembly honoring African American culture.
A slideshow was shown highlighting Civil Rights leaders that were assassinated as well as other African Americans murdered by police. NAACP President Kyle Conway delivered a powerful spoken word piece, urging the Goldbacks to embrace their heritage and responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of their presence and the impact they have on future generations, encouraging them to believe in themselves and carry on the legacy of their ancestors. His message highlighted the significance of their role in maintaining and advancing the culture, resisting oppression, and leaving a lasting impact on history.
“Your ancestors want you to leave your mark and history is waiting for you to record your remarks. I want your faith to leave the vision that you are where accomplishment and destiny meet. You are made of dreams and you are meant to accomplish historical feats. You are the receipts that our people are wonderfully unique and our accomplishments we brag about, history cannot delete. For the descendants you are, the elders should seek the continued revolution to listen to what you have to teach,” said Conway who is also a teacher.
The event celebrated 90-year-old Rosella Best-Woody for her lifelong contributions to the community. She was honored for being a dedicated alumna of Newburgh Free Academy and being passionate about inspiring students. The Black History Club presented her with a Certificate of Recognition as a token of appreciation. Mrs. Clifford was also recognized for her consistent support. She was presented with a blanket. The Mayor of Newburgh, Torrance Harvey, presented Actor Chaundre Hall-Broomfield with Certificate of Recognition for his significant contributions to the arts and his role as an inspiration to future generations. As a distinguished alumnus of Newburgh Free Academy and an accomplished actor, his presence at the event was celebrated for his impact on the entertainment industry and his embodiment of excellence, perseverance, and the spirit of Black History.
The Royalty Praise Dancers blessed the stage at NFA’s Black History Club assembly honoring African American culture.
BET’s Hall-Broomfield was also the guest speaker. He shared his journey about being a unique Black boy in church to a successful actor, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and mentorship. He recounted overcoming stage fright and peer pressure, inspired by teachers. He advised students to surround themselves with supportive peers. He also stressed the importance of preparation and embracing uniqueness.
“To be your unique you is to be innovative and to bring it back to Black history month, to be your unique you as a consequence, you expand the definition of what the Black experience is. Kobe Bryant set himself apart from the rest of the NBA elite with his work ethic and his commitment and will forever be regarded as a legend and a hero. Denzel Washington grew up in the ghettos of Mount Vernon, New York and used to be a garbage man. [He] started acting in theater at 22… Ryan Coogler, a young Black man from Oakland, California, was a football player who enjoyed storytelling. He is now a critically acclaimed director known for one of Marvel’s most successful films. Beyonce just won [three Grammy’s] for an album for country music… Kendrick has a Pulitzer Prize for rapping! Be your unique you!” said Hall-Broomfield who is in the upcoming Netflix movie RnB that tells the love story of Ruth and Boaz and enjoys coming back home. “I come home often and every time it feels like a little bit of fuel in the tank to continue to go back into the world with a reaffirmation of who I am, that when you leave you’re not forgetting who you are. So, [this] was a wonderful reaffirmation.”
NFA’s Black History Club, staff, and NECSD BOE Members pose for a photo at the assembly honoring African American culture.
The session concluded with a Question & Answer Session where Hall-Broomfield offered practical advice on dealing with stage fright and the value of arts in society. The theme for the program was “Thrive in ‘25.”
“This was [an] awesome [event]… I enjoyed watching the young people thrive… I wanted them to see that no matter what, you can thrive. You can come back from a bad grade. You can come back from negative talk…. A lot of time teenagers are influenced by peer pressure and not knowing what to do,” said NFA’s Black History Club Staff Advisor Ada Freeman.
The Black History Club doesn’t just organize the Annual Black History Month Event. A few upcoming events include a Multicultural Night on March 28th and The Annual Martin Kemp Basketball Tournament on April 19th.
