Nyack Celebrates Black History Month

Gone but never forgotten...
The Annual Nyack Memorial BBQ remembers those lost and loved
by: Bill Batson
Nyack Sketch Log author & artist

11 years ago, after the funeral of Nyack resident Kevin C. Smith, his childhood friends from the Waldron Terrace Apartments, led by Eric Shakur, came up with the idea of an annual gathering. The concept is to remember deceased loved ones of all ethnic backgrounds at a festive event that celebrates and honors their lives. Initially called the Waldron Terrace Memorial BBQ, the event changed it's name to the Nyack Memorial BBQ and has been held each July at Rockland Lake State Park for the past ten years. The event is organized by the African American community of Central Nyack.

The gathering celebrates the lives of dearly departed family members and friends. The departed names are read and after that, Angel Hill sings a gospel song, led by prayer. The festivities continue with a good old fashioned BBQ with food for everyone, activities for kids, including a bouncy house and face painting. For adults, there are card games, music and entertainment. Each year, a big group picture is taken to memorialize the day.

This year, thanks to the assistance of Mayor Don Hammond, the Nyack Memorial BBQ will be held in Memorial Park on July 25, 2020. This is a way of honoring local African American history by acknowledging the loss of every member of our community.With the NMBBQ, friends and family may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.

Special thanks to committee members: Eric Shakur, Roger Harris, Mike Powell, Diahann Smith Roberts, Christian Welch and Felicia Welch.

For more information, please contact Eric Shakur at 862-340-8703 or eshakur@benheim.com

You can contact us at (845) 358-0548, or visit www.Nyack-NY.gov.