Celebrate Black History Month at the John J. Byrne Community Center!

During the month of February, the John J. Byrne Community Center celebrates Black History Month, where we highlight and commemorate important events and people in the African-American community! Continue reading to learn more about celebrated African-Americans from our community and check out some documentaries to further educate yourself regarding this critical month!
SIELA BYNOE
Became the first Black state senator to represent Long Island; previously served on the Nassau County Legislature and the Westbury Board of Education
BARBARA PATTON
Elected as Long Island’s first Black state representative in 1982 and the first Black person to represent a suburban district in the state’s legislature; won in an upset in a predominantly white and Republican seat race

WILLIAM WILLET
Rose from patrolman to the first-ever Black commissioner of the Nassau County police force. Nearly 20 years after his passing, the Nassau police headquarters was renamed in his honor.

NANCY LEFTENANT-COLON
Became the first Black woman to be admitted into the US Army Nurse Corps. She later served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and reached the rank of ‘major’ before retiring and becoming a nurse at Amityville Memorial High School. She died in January 2025 at age 104.

JOYCE SMITH
Appointed Nassau County’s first Black district attorney in 2021. Enacted Nassau’s first pre-arraignment diversion program and investigated ways to significantly combat violent crime. Now serves as the executive assistant DA under Queens DA Melinda Katz.

LORNA LEWIS
Became the first woman of color to preside over the NY State Council of School Superintendents in 2018. She previously served in East Williston and Plainview-Old Bethpage. Nearly 40 years of education experience.