3 Honored By Rockland Legislature For Black History Month

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson, Spring Valley Police Detective Reginald Anderson, and artist and historian Bill Batson were recognized for their contributions to Rockland County during a celebration of Black History Month at the County Legislature. Legislator Toney L. Earl was joined by Chairman Alden H. Wolfe and Legislator Harriet Cornell in presenting the Distinguished Service Award, the Legislature’s highest honor, to each of the honorees.

"Black History Month gives us the opportunity to recognize the many valuable contributions of African-Americans in our community," Earl said. "We are fortunate to honor three amazing individuals whose dedication and commitment has made Rockland County a better place to live, work and raise a family."

Throughout the year, the legislature formally recognizes those who have helped or are helping to shape the county and, in many cases, the nation and beyond.

"Each one of these honorees exhibits tremendous dedication and devotion to causes that are larger than themselves,” Wolfe said. “In them we see, yet again, that Rockland County is home to so many talented and giving people. I thank them for all they are doing to make our world a better place."

While thanking all three honorees for their dedication to working for the betterment of others, Cornell, who represents Nyack, identified Bill Batson as “a Renaissance Man whose talents as an author, artist and activist shine light on the wonderful places and people of Rockland.”

The Honorees

Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson: Since 2018, the Rev. Dr. Jordan-Simpson has served as executive director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, which is now based in Stony Point. FOR is the oldest peace organization in the nation, and also works internationally. Under her leadership, FOR provides numerous empowering and educational events aimed at addressing vital social justice issues, as well as promoting peace, which, she reminded us during the ceremony, “takes work.”

Jordan-Simpson is also the former Executive Director of the Children’s Defense Fund of New York and the former Executive Director of Girls Incorporated of New York City. She is currently the Executive Pastor of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn.

Spring Valley Police Detective Reginald Anderson: Known as “Reggie” to many, Det. Anderson ha spent most of his life in service to others. He is founder of the Keeping It Real program which uses role playing to teach important life skills to youth. He has also served as a football coach for the Valley Cottage Indians for more than 25 years and is active with the Spring Valley Youth & Police Initiative, which strives to provide positive opportunities for interaction between youth and police officers.

Anderson was the first African American to become a Criminal Detective in Rockland County. He was also the youngest officer to be promoted to the rank of detective in Rockland. He has served on the Spring Valley Police Department for more than three decades. He is also a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Spring Valley.

Artist and Historian Bill Batson: With deep roots in Nyack, Bill Batson generously uses his insight and artistic expertise to capture and share the rich history of diverse people in Rockland and the Hudson Valley. He is the publisher of the well-respected Nyack Sketch Log, an illustrated collection of essays on topics such as the Underground Railroad and Civil Rights legislation.

Batson directed the Nyack Record Shop Project, which included three dozen oral histories from members of the local African American community. He also led and organized the effort to establish a Toni Morrison Society “Bench by the Road” monument in Memorial Park in Nyack.

While connected to the past, he also works in the here and now, serving as Chair of the Nyack Commemoration Steering Committee; the Communications Chair of the Nyack Branch of the NAACP; and as advisor to the board of the Nyack Center. He lives in the home where his grandmother once worked as a domestic – although he was quick to point out that he doesn’t own, only rents.