On Feb. 1, the Suffolk County Courts began this year’s Black History Month celebration with a stirring art exhibit at the John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex. Sponsored by the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association, the court’s exhibit “In Living Color” is to be a month-long display of African American influenced pieces of art that have been generously donated by the Islip Arts Council. To commemorate the start of Black History Month, and as an exciting way to introduce the new art, the Court hosted a special unveiling ceremony in the Central Jury Room. The exciting affair proved to be a great success, where nearly every seat was filled by enthusiastic onlookers who heard inspiring stories from local artists on display.

Many judges and members of the Court community joined in the cultural celebration. District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew A. Crecca was on hand to welcome those in attendance and to officially announce the kickoff to the Court’s Black History Month celebration—a series of festive events that are slated throughout February. “The Court’s new and unique celebration would not have been possible without the collaboration of and generous support from the Islip Arts Council, and the Court is beyond grateful for their donations and for their help in putting this exhibit together,” said administrative judge Crecca.

The Islip Arts Council, founded in 1974 and celebrating their 50th anniversary, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes culturally responsive, high-quality programs in varied artistic disciplines. “Our mission is to celebrate all the arts in Suffolk County and on Long Island,” said Waldo Cabrera, President of Islip Arts Council’s Board of Directors. “There really is no form of art that we don’t celebrate, and we make sure to celebrate all cultures,” he added.

The exhibiting artists on hand for the celebration were Pavan Carter, Faith Evans, Sage Gallon, Titus Thomas, and Cydney Wilson. They shared with the audience their personal histories and offered glimpses into their passions and inspirations. The celebrated artists hailed from a variety of backgrounds, spanning from corporate offices to homeless shelters and ranging from Harlem to the Hamptons. After each artist spoke, Patricia Waite, Esq., an associate court attorney for the District Court, joined with the artists to moderate questions from an eager audience.

The cornerstone exhibit for Thursday’s event was the displayed collection of famed African American artist William H. Johnson, whose work has been highly regarded by the Smithsonian Institute and whose remarkable journey eventually ended in Suffolk County. While the Harlem Renaissance artist had lived and traveled around the world, “he is actually buried here in an unmarked grave in a cemetery right next this very courthouse,” remarked Lynda Moran, executive director of the Islip Arts Council. Fittingly, all in attendance seemed to embrace Moran’s warm sentiments about bringing Johnson’s work back to him at his final place of rest.

After the ceremony, the artists and members of the audience together walked the courthouse’s second- floor mezzanine to view and discuss pieces of the exhibition. The Court’s “In Living Color” exhibit will remain on display for the entire month of February in an ongoing celebration of Black History Month and can be visited any time during normal business hours.