AMISTAD kicked off Black History Month with the Sponsorship of the Islip Arts Council Exhibition at the Cohalen Court Complex entitled "In Living Color".  The Islip Arts Council reports that the works included selected pieces by local artists and prints of works by William Henry Johnson, first installed at Touro Law Center in 2018 and featured in the Smithsonian Archives. 

"The unveiling ceremony was held in the Central Jury Room on Thursday, February 1, where many local artists shared their insights about the pieces. To say that the unveiling of the art show was powerful is just one word to describe the event. There was a huge shift in the room when each of the artists spoke about their life, their art, and how they ended up where they are today. Words were spoken from the heart about what it means to be an artist, with each speech adding to the collective thread, weaving an unbreakable tapestry right before our eyes. It was notably crucial for artists and nonartists to get a glimpse of, relate to, and truly understand why we need art in our lives and all around us." Cited from isliparts.org

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This art exhibit was the first of a four part series of events during the month of February.

AMISTAD Celebrated Black History Month with the Nassau Courts on February 01, 2024. The annual event, Co-Chaired by Hon. Andrea Phoenix and Cherice P. Vanderhall-Wilson, Esq. and led by District Court Administrative Judge Hon. Vito Destefano, was an astounding success. It was standing room only, as fellow jurists, attorneys, court staff and residents welcomed the Chief Judge of the NYS Court of Appeals, Honorable Rowan D. Wilson;  the Chief Administrative Judge, Hon. Joseph Zayas;  and Hon. Norman St. George, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge. Held in the Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola. the celebration honored Hon. Wilson, Hon. Alfred D. Cooper (ret.), and Peggy Stith. The program was rounded out with thoughtful words from  Amistad President, Alyson E. Bass; President Elect, Hon. Geoffrey Prime; and Co-Executive Director, Cherice P. Vanderhall-Wilson. Before enjoying a lunch of cultural foods, the audience was treated to an experience in the Arts with a ballerina performance, live jazz music and the poetry of Dr. LindaMichelle Baron.