By: Dennis Richmond, Jr.
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Runyon Heights Community Center in Yonkers became more than just a gathering place — it became a living tribute to legacy, leadership, and the enduring power of Black history.
Hosted by the Luther V. Garrison Sr. Masonic Foundation, Inc., alongside James H. Farrell Lodge #34, the Black History Month Celebration brought together dozens of attendees of all ages. By the start of the program, the room was filled with Yonkers residents, elected officials, and community leaders, all united by a shared commitment to honor the past while investing in the future.
The morning began with a prayer led by Past Master Lemuel Davis, followed by a heartfelt rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing. As voices rose together in what is widely known as the Black National Anthem, the room carried a sense of reverence — one rooted in generations of struggle, resilience, and triumph.
That sense of pride continued throughout the program.
Among the most memorable moments was a performance by the Marching Cobras, a group of young performers whose synchronized drumming and commanding presence energized the room. Their performance was more than entertainment; it was a reflection of discipline, creativity, and the strength of the next generation.
Community leaders also took to the podium, offering reflections that grounded the event in both history and purpose. Yonkers City Council President delivered a message that resonated deeply with those in attendance: “Before we were slaves, we were kings and queens.” The statement was met with nods and applause, reinforcing a narrative of identity that stretches far beyond the confines of oppression.
Westchester County Executive Kenneth “Ken” Jenkins also addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of preserving and telling Black stories. Sharing a personal anecdote, he noted that his journey into civic engagement began with a simple conversation with a neighbor who encouraged him to get involved with the NAACP — a reminder that community influence often begins at the most local level.
“No matter how much they try to change it, we have to keep moving forward,” Jenkins said, underscoring the ongoing importance of historical truth and collective progress.
The celebration also highlighted the longstanding work of the Luther V. Garrison Sr. Masonic Foundation, an organization rooted in service. Founded in 2008, the foundation has provided scholarships, holiday meals, and community programming for families across Westchester County, continuing a tradition of uplift that dates back generations .
That legacy is deeply connected to the history of Prince Hall Masonry, which has long served as a cornerstone of leadership within Black communities. James H. Farrell Lodge #34, established in Yonkers in the late 19th century, stands as a testament to that tradition — a brotherhood built on service, education, and unity .
Throughout the morning, presentations, performances, and reflections reinforced a singular message: Black history is not just something to remember — it is something to live, protect, and pass forward.
As the event ended, one truth remained clear. In rooms like this — filled with elders, youth, leaders, and storytellers — history is not simply being honored.
It is still being written.
