On February 15, 2019, Troy High School hosted its annual Black History Day to celebrate the achievements of the black community throughout history and to reflect on the work that still needs to be done. The day included classroom visits from more than a dozen guest speakers and concluded with the inspirational student poetry slam. Students read both historical and original compositions to a room of their peers.
Thank you to our presenters:
- Carman Duncan- Mission Accompished
- Carol Durant- Author/ Poet/ Playwright/Actor
- Lionel Durant- Black Inventors Bus- CEO
- Jade Gibson- Jade’s Hair Envy- Owner
- Hon. Helena Heath- Albany City Court Judge
- Travon T. Jackson- BlueLight Development- President
- Jonathan Jones- Commissioner of Recreation, Youth & Workforce Services
- John Quiarra- Retired Ironworker
- Cindi Robinson- Rez Associates & Cheek by Rez Cosmetics- Owner
- Ainsley Thomas- Hudson Valley Community College
- Roberto Vives- Men’s & Women’s Track & Field- UAlbany Director & Grace Claxton- Olympian, Sprinter and Hurdler
- David Walker
- Barry Walston- Black Child Development Institute- President
- Paul Webster- NYSET
- Derek Westbrook- KIPP Through College – Director
- Rodney Wiltshire- Empire Solar & Electric- Owner
- Demaxia Wray- Unity House Domestic Violence Services
We would like to recognize our student guides under the direction of Mrs. Gargano:
Mustafa Abdalla Samantha Gardner
Jenalyse Alarcon Jaylei George
Ayanna Allen Cachet Johnson
Imari Allen Lexi Joye
Alina Alonzo Renard Mathes
David Aryee Brendan Medina
Niali Baird Ayishatu Menko
Nadia Brown Amalia Mulinio
Imani Bryant Kiya Nurse
Abby Burns Delvin Pemberton
Dexter DeFreitas Avisha Pinder
Jakaiya Dewer Hector Sanchez
Lamia Sanchez
Juliana Valenti
We would also like to thank our student poets under the direction of Mr. Mostransky
Thank you to the Troy Booster Club for helping to sponsor this event and to B-Rads Bistro for catering the event.