The Bellport Middle School Social Studies Department hosted a Juneteenth celebration assembly on June 17.

During the event, Dr. Zebulon Miletsky, professor of Africana studies and history at Stony Brook University, and Dr. Jarvis Watson, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the School of Visual Arts, joined students virtually to discuss Juneteenth by addressing questions about the day.

Students learned the significance of Juneteenth, how many enslaved were affected by the issuance of the Juneteenth order, the difference between the Emancipation Proclamation and the Juneteenth order, and how students can recognize Juneteenth.

“The assembly was a rewarding experience for the middle school staff and students to learn more about Juneteenth,” said social studies teacher Romelo Green. “Through this assembly, students came to better understand why they have this day off from school in June, the impact this event had on enslaved Blacks in 1865 and the lasting effects it still has on our nation today.”

Date Added: 6/23/2022